Mount Prospect trustees debate valet-program funding and Prospect Avenue alfresco expansion; staff asked to return with options

Community development staff reviewed Prospect Avenue’s alfresco dining results and the Triangle valet pilot, and proposed eliminating Thursday valet service in the Triangle while expanding complimentary Friday–Saturday valet to Prospect Avenue. Staff said Alfresco generated roughly 17,600–18,000 unique visits last season and that the valet pilot has parked, on average, about 100 vehicles on weekend days.

Jason Shellcross (community development) told trustees the current contract costs about $310 per night for the Triangle and estimated the proposed change (Triangle reduced nights plus Prospect Avenue expansion) would cost approximately $67,000 a year. "Should the restaurants in The Triangle choose to pick up the cost of those services, at approximately $325 a night, it would cost them ballpark of about $16,000 to have valet on Thursdays for the course of the year," Shellcross said when outlining options.

Board debate focused on fairness, safety and long-term subsidy. Trustee Grossi said the village should not be in the long-term business of subsidizing operational expenses for private restaurants and raised liability and equity concerns. Trustee Sekitelli and others urged exploring cost-sharing with restaurants or merchants and additional marketing to direct patrons to underused parking such as the West commuter lot or the newly acquired Saint Mark's lot.

Business owners, restaurateurs and the valet operator urged continued support. Joe Irick (Station 34) and Dimitri (Lady Dahlia) said valet and alfresco have been critical to downtown foot traffic. Michael Mene, owner of 5 Star Valet, said the service increases safety and access. Several trustees asked staff to return with options for cost-sharing, additional data, and clearer staging locations for Prospect Avenue valet rather than make an immediate decision; staff will bring the matter back to the board for further direction.