Something of a kerfuffle has developed in the neighborhood of Elgin and Harvard where construction crews are putting the finishing touches on a road project. It appears that several traffic calming devices, namely some concrete medians, will reduce the number of parking spaces near First United Church of Christ. The leader of the congregation has said that losing that handful of parking spaces jeopardizes the future of the church.
No doubt, parking along other nearby side streets might be a hassle, but in no way does the church’s fate hinge on parking. Village Administrator Tim Gillian deserves credit for meeting recently with community members in that neighborhood to explain the project. But those with a gripe would have done better to read the fliers announcing the public hearing that preceded the project.