Morton Grove board moves to make Menard/Oakton school‑time traffic rules permanent

The Morton Grove Village Board on Jan. 27 voted to adopt an ordinance formalizing temporary traffic rules on the 8000 block of Menard Avenue near Niles West High School, measures officials said reduced congestion and improved pedestrian safety during school drop‑off and pickup.

Allison Tesmark, who spoke during public comment, credited school and municipal partners and called the move “a thoughtful and responsible approach to traffic management” after experimental restrictions were tested over the past month. The ordinance, read into the record by a village official, bans parking, standing and passenger drop‑offs during specified morning and afternoon school periods and prohibits U‑turns at key locations.

Village staff told trustees the temporary measures — which included high‑visibility crosswalks, pedestrian signage and targeted enforcement — reduced conflict points caused by curbside drop‑offs, mid‑block U‑turns and turning movements between Menard and Oakton. The village administrator emphasized the changes apply only to village‑owned streets and public infrastructure and are not directed at residential utility accounts or private consumers.

Officials acknowledged the measure affects on‑street parking near the school and that traffic has shifted to adjacent streets, which will be monitored. The board also announced a neighborhood outreach meeting on Feb. 19 at Melzer Elementary School, 9400 North Oriole Avenue, to gather further feedback from residents and stakeholders.

The ordinance now provides a local regulatory framework to continue enforcement and permits the village to revisit restrictions if conditions or community feedback indicate changes are needed.