CHICAGO (CBS) — With streets already closed and restrictions in place at the United Center and McCormick Place in the run-up to the Democratic National Convention, new security measures came into effect this weekend, cordoning off parts of downtown.
Residents and businesses were still trying to cope with the new restrictions on Sunday. after large security fences were erected along the sidewalks in parts of the Loop, the Gold Coast and the Magnificent Mile – some streets in the city center were also closed.
In contrast to the closures announced in advance around the United Center and McCormick PlaceThe new restrictions in the city centre were only officially announced on Saturday morning, after they were already in force, catching many people who live and work in the area by surprise.
Extensive security restrictions, including street closures and tight security checkpoints, were in place Sunday at the corner of Pearson and Rush near one of the hotels where some of the DNC speakers are staying.
This is the new normal on some streets near the Magnificent Mile, at least for this week as the DNC comes to town.
The increased security measures in and around the Magnificent Mile, Gold Coast and other parts of the inner city came into effect this weekend due to what police are calling “DNC activity.”
The Bidens, Clintons and Obamas, as well as Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, are staying in downtown hotels during the convention, posing security risks.
Road closures in the city center include:
- N. Wabash from E. Chestnut to E. Delaware Place from Sunday, August 18 to Wednesday, August 21
- E. Huron Street from N. Michigan to N. Rush from Sunday, August 18 to Friday, August 23
- E. Chicago from N. Michigan Avenue to N. Rush Street from Sunday, August 18 to Friday, August 23
- E. Delaware Place from N. State to N. Rush on Tuesday, August 20.
- N. Rush from E. Delaware Place to E. Walton on Tuesday, August 20th.
- E. Walton from N. State to N. Rush on Tuesday, August 20th.
- N. State from E. Delaware to E. Walton on Tuesday, August 20th.
People who live and work in the area should also be prepared to show identification to gain access to certain buildings.
Some workers who were not prepared for the new safety measures on Sunday were stopped by police and sent on detours, resulting in a security check and an intensive vehicle search.
For the people living in this area, these were the tightest security measures they had ever experienced, setting the stage for an eventful week.
“Wow, this is really crazy. A lot of important people are going to be here and we’re glad they’re safe. But yeah, it feels like a police state with all the big walls going up and everything. It’s a bit crazy,” said Michael Tenniswood.
The city’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications urged residents to check for possible new street closures in the coming days at Chicago.gov/OEMC and download the Chicago OEMC app.
