Tinley Park Mental Health Center demolition contractor fined $36K for OSHA violations

TINLEY PARK, Ill. - Tinley Park officials addressed the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) recent citations against a demolition contractor during a news conference on Tuesday.

The citations stem from safety violations related to lead exposure during demolition work at the former Tinley Park Mental Health Center. At no point was the community at risk due to the violations, a spokesperson for the village noted.

What we know:

OSHA issued $36,177 in fines to Omega II LLC for violations at 7600 W. 183rd St., where the company worked on demolishing interior walls coated with lead-based paint.

The citations, deemed serious, state that the contractor failed to collect personal samples to assess workers’ lead exposure and did not provide proper change areas to prevent contamination.

Tinley Park Village Manager Pat Carr called for "state and federal regulatory and investigative agencies to look into this project for the protection of our residents, employees and visitors."

The demolition of the long-abandoned Tinley Park Mental Health Center is a key step in a broader redevelopment effort.

Crews began tearing down structures in January, with 47 buildings set to be removed. Asbestos has been cleared, trash has been hauled away, and independent monitors are tracking air quality during the process.

‘A political stunt’

The other side:

The Tinley Park-Park District called Tuesday's press conference a "political stunt packed with false information."

The district said OSHA visited the site on Oct. 24, 2024, responding to an anonymous complaint and determined that safety precautions for workers needed to be changed. The contractor responded on the spot, according to the park district, and put in safety precautions to remedy the issue. The district added there haven't been any issues since.

In a statement, the park district said:

"The Park District obtained this site for $1 to finally clean it up and be responsible stewards of state grant funding to pay for cleanup. This press conference was nothing more than sour grapes from an administration that was unable to clean up this site on its own and a sad reflection of the leadership at Village Hall. 

 "The fact is that multiple layers of government are overseeing this project, including the county, state and federal levels, through site visits, permitting, and routine documentation and reporting for the government’s review. Any claim otherwise is a lie. Contrary to the accusations made today, the General Assembly removed the Village’s oversight and allowed the state and federal agencies with expertise to step in. 

 "Over the past year, the Tinley Park Police Department has refused to respond to incidents of vandalism and other police issues at the property, despite their duty by law to do so.

 "The Village has always opposed our clean-up efforts, and without the help of our legislators to acquire a $15 million grant, we would not have been able to clean the site. As village residents can plainly see, we have made great progress in cleaning the site and making it open land for our community. 

 "The Park District’s team of environmental experts continue to lead this project professionally and diligently."

What we don't know:

The Tinley Park-Park District, which owns the property, has ruled out a casino for the 280-acre site but has yet to finalize details on future development beyond a planned recreation center and sports complex.

Officials have mentioned other potential uses, but specifics remain unclear. Community input will be part of the decision-making process.

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From eyesore to opportunity: Demolition begins at Tinley Park Mental Health Center site

Tinley Park’s long-vacant mental health center is finally coming down, marking the start of a major redevelopment effort.

What's next:

Demolition permits are being issued one at a time by Cook County. Officials have called the process lengthy but necessary.

In the coming months, the park district plans to seek community feedback on potential redevelopment ideas to ensure the project meets local needs.