Park District commissioners in Tinley Park voted 3-2 Wednesday night to ask voters to approve a proposed 12.5-cent tax rate increase to build a recreation center and make other park renovations.
If residents approve the plan, which will be placed on the Nov. 3 ballot, the additional tax revenue would be used to build a community center on land known as the Farm, at 171st Street and 80th Avenue, and to pay for future capital projects and playground equipment for the district’s other parks.
Under the proposed increase, a resident whose home has a market value of $125,000 would see that portion of his tax bill rise $27.32 per year; a resident with a home worth $250,000 would pay $54.65 more annually.
“This is planning for the future 15 to 20 years down the road,” said district Commissioner Timothy McGuire. “This town is expected to be 60,000 population by the year 2000.”
He said the Park District needs to generate more revenue to keep up with the growing population’s needs.
Brenda Babjak, one of two commissioners who voted against the referendum measure, said, “I really feel this should be more specific on how this money is going to be spent. I would like to see these funds earmarked a little better.
“It’s going to give the staff and the board another big pot of money to spend.”
Babjak said she believes a community center is needed, but she wants to see more limitations on spending.
McGuire said that the funds from the tax increase would benefit the entire district by providing enough money to maintain and upgrade park properties throughout Tinley Park. He said that if the plan is not approved, the district eventually will be unable to maintain its facilities.
Commissioner Michael Pannitto, who also voted against the referendum plan, said, “I think we’re kind of getting ahead of ourselves. This was a really tough decision. It’s not a bad plan.”
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The proposed center would have 60,000-square feet, with walking and running tracks, a large gymnasium that could be divided into three smaller gyms, offices, and multipurpose meeting rooms. The facility would not include a pool.
John Curran, director of parks and recreation, said recent surveys in the community indicate that residents want a community center. He added that the village needs a center because of an increase in population and the demand for more park programs.
And support for a community center appears to have grown.
Curran said a survey taken in 1996 indicated 36 percent of residents who responded want a community center. A survey taken this year showed that 86.4 percent of residents favor the community center plan, he said.
The district is continuing to survey residents to determine their recreational needs. and focus groups are being formed, Curran said.
He said the members of focus groups are being selected from five segments of the population: senior citizens; residents who live east of Harlem Avenue; residents who live west of Harlem; local business community members; and participants in district programs.
In 1992, voters rejected a $11.4 million Park District plan that sought a tax increase for a new center. That proposal for a center included costs for a band shell and ball fields.