Dates Set To Discuss Possible 159th And Harlem TIF District

TINLEY PARK, IL — Meeting dates on the possibility of the village of Tinley Park adding a Tax Increment Financing District in the area of 159th and Harlem have been set. Board members voted last week in favor of scheduling a Joint Review Board meeting on the subject for 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 14 at Village Hall and a public hearing for 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 4 at the same location.

According to village documents, the redevelopment project area is bounded by 159th Street on the north, the northern boundary of Siemsen Meadow north of 167th Street on the south, Oak Park Avenue on the east and Olcott Avenue on the west.

If the area becomes a TIF district, revenue from increases in property taxes will be used for its redevelopment.

Cynthia Berg was the only village trustee voting against setting the meeting dates, saying her opposition to TIF districts in Tinley Park is "well-known."

"I can't support a 45 percent more tax increment financing at that same intersection than Orland Park," she said. "I don't find either of these towns could be considered blighted and need tax increment financing at this time."

The redevelopment plan for the district posted on the village website described its designation as a "blighted area" as they are described in the Illinois Tax Increment Allocation Redevelopment Act.

Watch the full June 16 Tinley Park Village Board Meeting: