The village’s proposal to take over several residential properties to provide more public parking is one that we support. While our enthusiasm is tempered by the limitations of the plan, it is not diverted by the inevitable upset which follows any government plan to take private property. The greater good of Forest Park must be served by expanded parking in the main business district.
As pointed out, though, by the engineers hired to study the severity of Forest Park’s parking shortage, this proposal will cover roughly one-third of the existing shortfall. This means that the day after these lots are installed, there will still be a significant shortage of downtown parking. More concerning though, is what lies ahead. How much parking will be needed in five years-in 10?
A parking shortage, frankly, is a problem that any growing community would love to have. It demonstrates an interest in what the village has to offer. The concern of property owners and village officials is whether that problem will eventually drive people away.
It shouldn’t. If enough consideration is given, the village ought to be able to find a spot for everyone. This may require buying up more land, building a garage, asking more of developers or boosting the role of public transportation.
There’s plenty to account for and we’re glad to see the village is taking steps to remedy the situation. Our hope is that a worthwhile solution is in the making.
Expression of gratitude
The reasons for which we go to war should never cease to be a subject of debate. Classrooms, dinner tables, ballot booths and a host of other stages give us an endless number of ways to express our opinions. Simply taking advantage of these freedoms is one way of paying tribute to the soldiers who help ensure them.
But on Veterans’ Day, political debate should be set aside in order to honor the service of the few who are willing to do what the rest of us are not.
For the first time, students at the Forest Park Middle School were given this opportunity on Friday. Principal Karen Bukowski did well to make the day as relevant as possible for the kids, incorporating faculty and family who have served the country. For many, there is nothing so immediate as sending a neighbor into battle.
Veterans’ Day provides us all with a chance to say thank you to the men and women to whom we are universally indebted. Regardless of our age, race or political background most anyone can readily point to a member of their community and identify them as a military veteran. If you haven’t done so already, please take a moment to thank them.
