City Council members raise concerns about NASCAR street closures, safety
CHICAGO (CBS) – In just over two weeks, the NASCAR street race will take over downtown Chicago.
On Wednesday, members of the City Council did not only focus on how all the road closures will affect your traffic and safety – they wanted to know how secure it will be too.
As CBS 2 Political Investigator Dana Kozlov reported, the hearing Tuesday was a chance for members of the City Council Transportation Committee to ask race planners specific questions about the upcoming race.
Chicago Street Course President Julie Giese gave a 30-minute presentation to start the hearing in Council Chambers at City Hall – stressing NASCAR's desire to be community-minded and involved.
Chicago's Office of Emergency Management says to expect heavy traffic and route diversions around Grant Park.
Street closures have already begun with Ida B. Wells, which is now closed between Michigan Avenue and Columbus Drive.
Numerous other major roadways will shut down – including DuSable Lake Shore Drive – which will be closed to southbound traffic for nearly a week starting June 28. More than 129,000 drivers a day take DuSable Lake Shore Drive.
NASCAR Chicago Street Race: what to know about street closures
At the City Council hearing, one of the biggest concerns for a few alderpeople was security for the event – outside of any security NASCAR itself provides. Ald. Brendan Reilly (42nd) was particularly concerned about security – as his ward is significantly impacted by the race.
"As we all know, we're a bit short on police officers around here these days – and I'd like to get a sense of how much is being committed to the footprint itself," Reilly asked Chicago Police officials at the hearing.
"We have opened up a voluntary overtime initiative to try to tamp down the number that will be canceled," replied Chicago Police Deputy Chief Daniel O'Connor.
Reilly also expressed frustration about the lack of event transparency involving the prior administration of Mayor Lori Lightfoot – but commended NASCAR on working with the alderpeople.
New Ald. Peter Chico (10th), who is also a police officer, asked about policing during the event – especially considering it is taking place during one of the busiest weekends of the summer.
"It's the busiest weekend of the year. We have a lot going on," Chico said. "We want to ensure that we're not taking resources from the districts and placing them in other places."
O'Connor said days off will be canceled, and pointed to the voluntary overtime sign-up. But other alderpeople called for more specifics as the city gets closer to the race.
Giese said they are working to educate impacted residents – stating they have already handed out 48,000 flyers to keep people informed.
"When you look at the event itself, we are committed to giving, and being part of this community," said Giese.
The hearing lasted almost two hours altogether.