Residents of Streeterville, a neighborhood on Chicago’s Near North Side, are expressing increasing concern over rising crime, particularly incidents involving large groups of teens causing disturbances during nighttime hours. While the area is generally safe during the day, evenings and weekends have become problematic.
Resident Concerns
Dorrie Hubbard, a longtime resident, voiced her worries about the escalating issues. “I’m just concerned,” she said. “What’s really going on down here, and what are we doing?” Hubbard’s sentiments reflect a broader anxiety among residents who feel that crime is increasing in their community.
Mark Wolfe, another Streeterville resident, shared his frustration. “So we moved over here thinking it would be quieter,” he said. “Now we have what my wife and I refer to as the Saturday night scaries because of the kids that come in and just cause havoc.”
SOAR Town Hall Meeting
In response to these concerns, the Streeterville Organization of Active Residents (SOAR) hosted a town hall meeting on Wednesday. The meeting aimed to facilitate dialogue between residents and city officials about the ongoing issues.
“We’ve never had the issues in the neighborhood that we are currently having, and of course, everyone is concerned because summer is just beginning,” said SOAR President Deborah Gershbein.
City and Police Response
Both aldermen representing Streeterville, including 2nd Ward Alderman Brian Hopkins, attended the meeting along with a representative from the Chicago Police Department (CPD). Police highlighted their enforcement of the city’s 10 p.m. curfew for unaccompanied minors and suggested the neighborhood adopt an escort policy.
“To enact an escort policy in which subjects that are under 18 will have to be there with a parent, otherwise they won’t be able to enter into these venues,” said CPD Captain David Koenig. He noted that a similar policy at Water Tower Place has been effective.
Crime Statistics and Safety Measures
The ABC7 Data Team’s Safety Tracker indicates that while homicides have decreased in Near North neighborhoods, including Streeterville, incidents of robbery, battery, and burglary have risen compared to the average of the previous three years.
With the Democratic National Convention (DNC) approaching, residents are particularly anxious. Alderman Hopkins announced that additional funds from the DNC are being allocated to hire and train new police officers and acquire a new police helicopter to enhance security.
“We are getting some additional funds from the DNC, and we are using some of that to hire and train new police officers. We’re getting a new police helicopter which will certainly help. That’s being paid for with funds from the DNC,” Hopkins said.
Enhancements in Security
Officials have also improved lighting in the neighborhood and installed more license plate readers and police cameras downtown, funded in part by federal dollars ahead of the DNC. These measures aim to bolster security and reduce the incidence of crime in the area.
Conclusion
As Streeterville residents call for stronger measures to address the issue of teen takeovers, city officials and the CPD are working to implement policies and enhance security to ensure the safety and well-being of the community. The upcoming Democratic National Convention provides both a challenge and an opportunity to strengthen these efforts.