Trustees agree to change commuter-permit window; staff to draft ordinance allowing metered parking at 5 a.m.

RIVERSIDE, Ill. — The Village of Riverside Board of Trustees on May 15 directed staff to prepare ordinance language to allow metered on-street parking along Blooming Bank Road beginning at 5 a.m., changing the village’s current 6 a.m. start time for commuter metered parking and commuter permits.

The discussion began after a resident asked the village to consider earlier on‑street parking because an early commuter train at about 5:25 a.m. prevented that resident from using metered Blooming Bank parking that begins at 6 a.m. Village officials reviewed operational and safety concerns, including snow‑removal coordination and overnight parking prohibitions. Director Buckley (Public Works) and Director Tabb (parking/operations) advised staff can manage the change, although snow-removal operations may need attention.

Trustees discussed public-safety reasons for overnight parking prohibitions and noted overnight clear-street windows facilitate snow removal and reduce hazards on dark neighborhood streets. After discussion, trustees expressed support for changing the commuter-permit start time and the metered parking start on Blooming Bank Road from 6 a.m. to 5 a.m. Manager Jessica Francis asked staff to return with ordinance language and implementation details.

Staff also noted alternative commuter parking options already exist (Commuter Lot 1, a 24‑hour lot, and a metered lot behind the swim-club parking) and said exceptions for short-term overnight parking continue to be handled by the police department through temporary permits when needed.

No formal vote occurred; staff will draft the ordinance and return to the board for adoption.