Gurnee to create parking permits for subdivision near Six Flags park

Gurnee plans to create street parking permits for a subdivision that officials say has been overrun with vehicles from visitors to Six Flags Great America.

Free street parking a few blocks to the north apparently beats what Great America charges to patrons. Great America fees range from $15 for one day to $70 for season parking.

But village board trustees Monday night agreed those free parking days should end for amusement park guests in the Pembrook townhouse and condominium development around Rockpoint Court.

Officials plan to craft an ordinance so parking permits can be issued to residents for public streets in the southwest section of the Pembrook area in question. Gurnee Mayor Kristina Kovarik suggested that the ordinance include a provision allowing the ticketing and towing of violators.

Village Administrator James Hayner said there will be a mechanism so legitimate visitors to Pembrook may park on the public streets.

"We would be giving the clubhouse facility visitors permits, so if (someone) rents the clubhouse for a shower or birthday party or whatever events you rent a clubhouse for, those people would be able to park on the publicly dedicated street. And we think this would deter the abuse we're having of the Great America patrons on the area," Hayner said.

Hayner said problems have been escalating with too many cars parked on Rockpoint by Great America visitors. He said some depart Great America and buy food at establishments off Grand Avenue, then eat in their cars parked on Rockpoint.

"It's gotten to be a nightmare for the residents in that area," said Hayner.

Village board members are expected to vote Aug. 2 on the proposed permit parking ordinance. Hayner said Gurnee Police Chief Robert Jones supported the permit parking in meetings that were held on the issue.

"We're not saying this is the panacea of all solutions, but it was the most logical one we could come up with for a short-order fix," Hayner said.