Elgin might expand odd-even parking to another neighborhood
Another Elgin neighborhood - the Eagle Heights subdivision on the city's west side - might become the third city area designated for odd-even parking.
But before city council members move forward with the controversial restrictions - which have been put in place for the Gifford Park area and South West Area Neighbors association - they want to get more opinions from residents.
At a neighborhood group meeting this summer, 22 people favored the move and only seven opposed.
But council members, who have gotten an earful from residents in other areas opposed to the parking restrictions, will consider sending out a letter to all 619 households in the Eagle Heights area so they can "vote" by returning a prepaid postcard.
"We want to make sure everyone has a chance to participate in the vote," said RuthAnne Hall, city management analyst.
Last year, the city targeted four test neighborhoods in an effort to improve snow removal, leaf pickup and street sweeping. This spring, it dropped the restrictions for two neighborhoods - the southern part of Cobbler's Crossing and Randall Ridge - but extended them to year-round for the Gifford Park and SWAN areas.
John O'Haire, Eagle Heights Residents Association president, said he personally favors the odd-even schedule to help with snow removal but acknowledged he would get "a ton of phone calls" about if it is enacted.
The Eagle Heights subdivision was built in the late 1950s and early 1960s so many of the trees are more than 40 years old and require leaf pick up, O'Haire said.
Beverley and Leland Cork both oppose the ban but were not under the impression the homeowners association would hold a vote on it over the summer.
Beverley welcomed the possibility that the city might poll all 619 homes, but was skeptical that the city could listen.
"I feel like it's a done deal," she said. "I don't know of anyone on my block who wants it."
Hall said if the council moves forward this Wednesday with the letter to residents, she hopes to tally results in time for the council to take a vote on Sept. 23.
If an odd-even schedule is enacted, the city would hand out warnings for 30 days before resorting to $50 tickets.