20161121 PR-OB officials oppose OBTerrace's new red light revenue generation plan more
Contact: Riccardo Ginex
Phone: (630) 368-5026
Fax: (630) 368-5045
1200 Oak Brook Road
Oak Brook, IL 60523 Village of Oak Brook
Press Release
OAK BROOK OFFICIALS OPPOSE OAKBROOK
TERRACE’S NEW RED LIGHT REVENUE GENERATION PLAN
Oak Brook, Illinois – November 21, 2016
Officials from the Village of Oak Brook have expressed dismay over Oakbrook Terrace’s
decision to implement red light cameras at intersection of Route 83 and 22nd Street – a major
thoroughfare in Oak Brook – without considering the potential impact on Oak Brook. “It is very
disappointing that Oakbrook Terrace is taking a microscopic view of this situation instead of a
more global view of the impact on the businesses, residents and visitors to both of our
communities,” said Oak Brook Village President Gopal Lalmalani. “We would have
appreciated a more neighborly approach to such a significant decision.”
A part of Oak Brook’s discontent arises from the manner in which Oakbrook Terrace handled
this matter. Oakbrook Terrace knew that Oak Brook officials previously fought the installation
of red light cameras at the intersection when Oakbrook Terrace originally applied for them.
IDOT denied the permit at that time. However, Oakbrook Terrace made no efforts to contact
Oak Brook during its most recent application process. While Oakbrook Terrace did not
contact Oak Brook, Oakbrook Terrace’s representatives represented to IDOT that Oak Brook
had been informed in writing – an allegation Oak Brook vigorously disputes.
The installation of red light cameras at the intersection is merely a money grab for Oakbrook
Terrace. If Oakbrook Terrace is experiencing financial challenges, its leaders have to find
other creative ways to solve its financial problems. If Oakbrook Terrace is concerned about
safety, then its City officials would certainly be aware that studies have shown that red light
cameras are ineffective and cause more accidents than they prevent, and they would be
aware that some municipalities that have implemented them, like Algonquin, have later voted
to remove them and the City of Chicago has dramatically reduced its use of such cameras.
In addition, motorists who are confused about the warning signs often do not understand that
they may turn right on red as long as they first come to a complete stop. Instead, come to a
complete stop and do not turn at all, even though they may do so legally. This will compound
traffic at an intersection that is already unusually busy intersection. Oakbrook Terrace has
been very successful in attracting new businesses into town, yet did not decide to install red
light cameras in locations that would merely impact traffic in Oakbrook Terrace, instead
opting to install the cameras at a key access intersection for Oakbrook Center. If Oakbrook
Terrace is concerned about safety, it should consider installing the red light cameras at
dangerous intersections within the City.
Oak Brook officials have expressed concern about how the installation of the red light
cameras would impact the mall, surrounding businesses, and the Village’s most populated
community – the residential Oak Brook Club, which is located next to the mall.
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For Release: November 21, 2016
“It looks like the lost sales revenue will be going to Oakbrook Terrace in the form of fines.
We're just saddened that Mayor Ragucci hasn't kept the lines of communication open and
never bothered to contact me and the Village regarding this. If this is truly and solely about
traffic enforcement and the possibility of reducing accidents, we could have worked with them
to help enforce violations at the intersection through a mutual aid agreement if they needed
help. Or more importantly, maybe Oak Brook Terrace would be willing to amend the
boundary lines between the two Villages and let the Village of Oak Brook incorporate the
intersection of Rt. 83 and 22nd and the two adjacent roadways. We could take responsibility
for traffic enforcement without the need for red light cameras,” stated Village President
Lalmalani.
The circumstances of IDOT’s approval of Oakbrook Terrace’s permit are suspicious. At first,
the City presented information regarding the intersection for a three year period of time that
was deemed insufficient to warrant the installation of the cameras. Then, for reasons that are
unclear, IDOT reconsidered its decision a few months later and determined that a permit was
warranted, apparently after viewing only one day of footage of the intersection. Oak Brook
learned of Oakbrook Terrace’s permit application only after it was already approved. Oak
Brook filed a request with Oakbrook Terrace, and received materials indicating that Oakbrook
Terrace falsely represented to IDOT that Oak Brook was informed about the application.
Oak Brook’s Village Manager Riccardo Ginex has indicated that Oak Brook is looking into its
legal options, which may include legislative relief formalizing IDOT’s permit application
procedures to include a more transparent process with an option of neighboring
municipalities to participate.
About the Village of Oak Brook:
Founded in 1958, the Village of Oak Brook is located 15 miles west of downtown Chicago and is
in proximity to the junction of Interstates 88, 294, and 290. The Village consists mostly of
residential subdivisions, with the exception of the Oak Brook Center shopping mall, other retail
and office properties along 22nd Street and Interstate 88. Oak Brook is the home of many
corporate offices, most notably, the world headquarters of McDonald’s Corporation, Ace
Hardware, Tree House Foods, Inland Real Estate and the service club organization Lions Clubs
International. Oak Brook is also known for being one of the few municipalities in the Chicago
area that does not levy a property tax on residents or businesses. Visit www.oak-brook.org to
learn more.
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