Opponents to TP Walmart Proposal Warn LWHSD210 of Perceived Downfall

Opponents to the Village of Tinley Park-supported Walmart-Sam's Club development expressed their dissatisfaction at the  Summit Hill School District 161 board meeting on Oct. 9. The plan was voted down by the board. A few of those same people showed up Thursday at the Lincoln-Way High School Dist. 210 board meeting to express similar concerns. LWHSD210 owns the 72-acres at 191st Street and Harlem Avenue.

While the LWHSD210 board had no related item on the agenda, nor did they go into executive session, opponents of the project showed up to state their reasons for opposing the megastore's $5.4 million reduction in taxes and development.

Tinley Park residents Jennifer Vargas and Steve Reed made it clear that they didn't want the high school district to sell their property, which is worth between $6 and $7 million, for a $50 million Walmart development. Reed accused the Village of Tinley Park of being "dishonest" about the project. "Tinley Park put this together, not Walmart. …Tinley Park is trying to set you (LWHSD210 Board) up. They set up Summit Hill. They set up Frankfort Square Park District.

"It's a steamroller job," he said.

Another Tinley Park resident, Sandra Rennie, told the board she was concerned about the potential for increased crime and traffic congestion if the plan were approved.   

Reed said some of the opposition has organized an online petition. Click here to view Sign the petition: No Tinley Park Walmart. Already there are more than 500 signatures.   

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