A new plan to seal off an underpass near the intersection of Chicago Avenue and Lake Shore Drive is generating plenty of conversation and controversy.
The plan, which would be in effect from June to October under the proposal from 2nd Ward Alderman Brian Hopkins, would seal off the underpass during the overnight hours to help stem an increasing number of fights and illegal parties that officials say are being held near the location.
Hopkins’ proposal is modelled after a similar practice at an underpass at Ohio and Lake Shore Drive. A gate at that location was ordered closed from midnight to 5 a.m. after a woman was shot and killed there last summer, and the alderman says there has been a decrease in crime near the area since then.
Not all residents agree with the proposal, however.
“I don’t like it, because it’s an inconvenience for people when they come from the North and South,” resident John Bulski said. “They need the bridge.”
Other residents say that security cameras have helped, but that closing the gate would make sense.
“Our parks close at a certain time, so it makes sense they would close it from midnight to three or five to keep people safe,” resident Anna Waldron said.
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The measure would need approval from the full City Council.
