It’s a busy season for Chicago restaurants—old and new—especially when friends and family are in town and nobody feels like cooking before the holidays.
Neighborhoods like the West Loop however, where business seems to be constantly booming, are facing the issue of finding a place to park
The lack of parking is not only causing frustration among drivers, it’s also having an impact on businesses.
“Sometimes I come over and just leave my lights on,” said Owen Huzar.
Huzar admitted he tends to do this when he’s in the area for work.
While some end up parking at a distant location instead, others like Huzar, default to being a bit more strategic when they’re on the go.
The manager of Italian Pizzeria Napoletana Forno Rosso (on Randolph St.), Rich Ruffalo, said he and other restaurants are working with the West Loop Community Organization to find parking solutions.
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“We’ve been working closely with DOR, the DOT to reassess the use of those service lanes with the loading zones,” he said.
In the last decade, the West Loop has seen significant transformation.
Within this year alone, Executive Director of WLCO Carla Agostinelli says more than a dozen businesses have opened in the neighborhood—though because of parking problems, at least 10 places have already closed.
Until new permanent solutions are implemented, Agostinelli says to read the signs and take advantage of free parking where you can find it.
“If you’re lucky, you’re going to catch a spot,” she said.
