News and Events
November 20, 2014
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Village Board
Mayor
Edward Zabrocki
Village Clerk
Patrick Rea
Trustees
David Seaman
Gregory Hannon
Brian Maher
Thomas Staunton Jr.
Patricia Leoni
T.J. Grady
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Now Showing

on Tinley TV

 

Veterans Day 2014 

 

Fire Safety PSA

 

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Village of Tinley Park

16250 S. Oak Park Ave.,

Tinley Park, IL 60477

(708) 444-5000

www.tinleypark.org

 

Hours:

8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Mondays - Fridays

9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Saturdays

Closed Sundays

 

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The Mayor's Corner

with Edward J. Zabrocki

As I've mentioned before in previous "Mayor's Corner" columns, the Village is currently negotiating a purchase agreement with the State of Illinois to buy the 280-acre Tinley Park Mental Health Center property. As part of that plan, we're also looking into the possibility of creating a tax increment financing (TIF) district in that area to help pay for costs associated with cleaning up and developing the property. But what exactly is a TIF, and why does the Village use them?
TIF is an economic development tool used to generate revenue for public improvement projects such as this. Simply put, TIFs allow development to happen without having to dip into the general fund. Once a TIF district is created, tax revenue for said district is frozen at a base year, and the revenue from any increases in property values for the next 23 years (the maximum life span of a TIF) can be used for public improvements within the redevelopment area. For example, if property taxes are $5,000 when the TIF goes into effect and $5,400 the next year, that extra $400 goes to the TIF instead of being distributed to the taxing bodies as it normally would.
The Village would use this tax increment to fund various public improvements and TIF-eligible expenses without using our normal general fund dollars and without putting any additional tax burden on our residents and business owners.
The Village already has three TIF districts in town. Two of these are on North and South streets in Downtown Tinley, and the third encompasses the Tinley Park Convention Center. Thanks to TIFs, we were able to turn a bean field generating zero tax dollars for the Village into one of the best and most profitable convention centers in the area.
The revenue the convention center TIF generated since its creation in 1995 enabled the Village to build a world-class, state-of-the-art convention center that attracts thousands to Tinley Park every year. We couldn't have done it without the TIF, because we wouldn't have had the funds. We can look to the continued success of the Tinley Park Convention Center as proof that TIF districts can be self sustaining when used properly.
Our next step will be to meet individually with each of the taxing bodies to discuss the creation and implementation of this new, fourth TIF district. I'll keep you all abreast of the situation as it unfolds. With the use of this effective economic development tool, the Village will be able to achieve our vision of a best-in-region development based on core values of community, beauty, authenticity, sustainability, health and happiness.
This project excites me, and I hope it excites you, too.
 
 
 

Holiday fun begins Dec. 5 in Downtown Tinley

Sure, Thanksgiving is just around the corner. But that doesn't mean it's too early to start thinking about snowmen, sleigh rides and Santa Claus!
After the turkey is gone and the football game is over, check out a series of free holiday events for the whole family from Dec. 5 to 7 in Downtown Tinley. 
The Mayor's Tree Lighting Ceremony will be held at 6 p.m. Dec. 5 at Zabrocki Plaza, 17375 S. Oak Park Ave., and photos with Santa Claus will be from noon to 6 p.m. Dec. 6 and noon to 5 p.m. Dec. 7 at the Oak Park Avenue Metra train station, 6700 South St.
Other events will include holiday movies, old-fashioned carriage rides, an ice-carving demonstration, campfires, carousel rides, a holiday market, live music and two parades - Tinley's Toyland Parade at 11:30 a.m. Dec. 6 and the Parade of Lights at 5 p.m. Dec. 7.
Want to participate in either parade? Applications are still being taken! Click here to apply for the Toyland Parade, and click here to apply for the Parade of Lights.
Click here to see the entertainment schedule, or click here to view an interactive virtual map of the festivities.
We hope to see you there!
 

Veterans Day video now on Tinley TV

The Village of Tinley Park and the Tinley Park Veterans Commission's 2014 Veterans Day Ceremony is now playing regularly on Tinley TV and on the Village's official YouTube channel. Click here to watch the complete 49-minute video, which features a flag-raising ceremony, veterans awards and speeches from Village officials. For all other information, including a Tinley TV schedule and list of archived programs, please visit www.tinleypark.org/TPTV.
 

PACE makes changes to Call-n-Ride

Minor adjustments to the Tinley Park Call-n-Ride service schedule will go into effect Nov. 24. The 10 a.m. and 2:06 p.m. trips departing Moraine Valley Community College's Southwest Education Center will instead depart at 9:55 a.m. and 2 p.m., respectively. All other trips and times will remain the same. Click here to view an updated version of the schedule.