CHICAGO — As Chicago braces for potential “teen takeover” events anticipated later this week, community members gathered on the South Side Tuesday night to discuss the growing phenomenon with mixed opinions.
“They’re expressing a need for places to go and activities to engage in. We have park districts and other facilities in our communities. Let’s make them accessible,” one woman suggested during the meeting.
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The event was organized by Acclivus, a community health organization, and took place in Washington Park. It served as a forum for community members to share concerns and ideas about providing better opportunities for local youth.
“The kids feel lost; they don’t have anything to occupy their time,” a young attendee remarked, highlighting a sentiment shared by many.
The meeting was held against the backdrop of plans announced by Alderman Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth to close certain access points to DuSable Lake Shore Drive. The closures are aimed at managing anticipated youth gatherings at Foster Beach on Thursday and Friday.
Parking restrictions will also be enforced along the lakefront, from Lawrence to Foster, between 2 p.m. and 10 p.m. on June 4 and June 5. Additionally, the off-ramps at Lawrence and Foster on DuSable Lake Shore Drive will be temporarily closed, according to Manaa-Hoppenworth.
“No parking” signs will be posted. Manaa-Hoppenworth said if your vehicle is towed, call 311.
Manaa-Hoppenworth said CTA buses are expected to operate on their usual routes, and neighbors can expect an increased police presence in the area.
On Tuesday night, young people sat on one side, and parents and adults on the other. But both groups listened to find a solution.
“There’s a systematic view and change that has to take place,” one woman said.
Voices from the youth, parents, adults, and community leaders came together in one room, seeking one resolve.
“There’s no way for us to have fun. Like, back in the day, I remember going outside and riding my bike. I can’t do that anymore because it doesn’t feel safe in my neighborhood,” said 17-year-old Shamiyah Parker.
Teen trends seem to be another task officers are facing as some, in recent weeks, have turned violent.
“When you see your kids out there, they live a totally different life than what you know them is in that house,” one woman said.
Police in Naperville arrested nine people and issued dozens of citations on Monday night after a large group of young people gathered downtown.
Naperville’s police chief said in a statement, in part, “If you break the law, there will be no warnings; there will be no second chances.”
In Chicago, late last month, police say, more than 50 people were arrested related to a teen takeover at 57th Street Beach.
CPD also released a surveillance photo of a suspect who, they say, shot three teenagers that same night nearby.
One officer responded to a question on Tuesday night about how officers are handling these trends.
“We have a consent decree in place, so we are guided and bound by the consent decree. New policies are put in place,” said CPD Officer Malista Oware. “Everybody here is respected. They have a voice. They have an opportunity to be told in a respectful manner to stop their actions.”
Organizers say they hope more teenagers could come out to these listening sessions, not only make their voices heard but to listen to other perspectives.
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