Racino Developer linked to Harmony Square incentives

By all appearances, Tinley Park’s $54 million Harmony Square development looks like a win for downtown revitalization. But a closer look reveals a trail of political donations, shell companies, and quietly awarded contracts that raise serious questions about Mayor Michael Glotz’s ties to the developer — and whether public funds are being used to reward political loyalty.

🧩 The Players

At the center of the deal is Tinley Park Main Street LLC, a Hinsdale-based company selected — without a public bid — to lead the high-profile downtown development. Documents show one of its managers is TPMS Management LLC, a Delaware company formed on May 16, 2023 — the exact same day the Village Board approved the development agreement.

TPMS is linked to Rick Heidner, a politically connected gaming and real estate figure whose businesses have faced scrutiny in Illinois before. Another listed manager of the developer is Nathan Heidner, Rick’s son.

💸 The Money Trail

State campaign filings show that Rick Heidner and his affiliated businesses have donated at least $35,000 to PACs controlled by Mayor Glotz.

Meanwhile, Tinley Park Main Street LLC was awarded $7.25 million in incentives, including land valued at $2.55 million and $5.5 million in TIF reimbursements. In addition, the developer’s plan includes taxpayer-funded relocation incentives of:

• $600,000 for Durbin’s Tavern
• $500,000 for Teehan’s Irish Bar

None of these businesses were selected via an RFQ or RFP process. They were simply written into the deal.

🕳️ The Lack of Transparency

The Village never issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Harmony Square developer. There was no competitive process. No open call. Just a direct appointment — followed by millions in public subsidies.

Even more troubling: Heidner’s management role was obscured behind a shell LLC formed just in time to cash in on the project.

🚨 What This Looks Like

This deal echoes the worst of Illinois politics:

• Political donors rewarded with public contracts
• Shell companies hiding financial interests
• Lack of transparency in developer selection
• Millions in public incentives quietly funneled to connected insiders

It's the same pay-to-play pattern seen in the operations of former Speaker Michael Madigan — only this time, it’s in the south suburbs.

📣 The Public Deserves Answers

Residents of Tinley Park deserve to know:

• Why was Tinley Park Main Street LLC chosen without public bidding?
• Why was a company managed by Rick Heidner’s son and shell firm awarded millions in public funds?
• Why did campaign donors get access to exclusive development deals?

Until those questions are answered, the Harmony Square project will remain a case study in modern political patronage — a shiny new downtown built on backroom deals.