Secret Service, CPD canvass areas around DNC ahead of convention
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Efforts continued Friday to warn people of upcoming closures and disruptions ahead of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago next month.
The four-day event begins Monday, Aug. 19, with meetings at McCormick Place and the big show at the United Center.
Neighbors who live near the United Center have said they're concerned about the effect of all the tight security restrictions and large crowds. Police and the Secret Service addressed just those concerns.
To help address that, the U.S. Secret Service, the Chicago Police Department, and other agencies walked around on the Near West Side near the stadium Friday with stacks of pamphlets, which they handed out to people who live near the DNC action. The pamphlets outline the security perimeters for the DNC at both McCormick Place and the United Center and explain how businesses and neighbors will be affected.
The law enforcement agencies also gave some insight on public safety protocols, road closures, and transportation information ahead of the convention.
Officials said they planned to reach out to about 1,000 residents and businesses on Friday, and will continue reaching out ahead of the DNC. They're also working with the nearby hospital district, and ensuring traffic will be under control during the convention.
"We're really here to make sure that we can start lowering the anxiety around it. We understand there is a lot of questions. Today we are providing some of those answers, and we will continue that by having community meetings, meetings with stakeholders, and really having conversations with people so they know exactly what to expect," said Chicago Police Director of Community Policing Glenn Brooks.
Officials on Thursday unveiled the security perimeters around both the United Center and McCormick Place during the DNC. The secure areas for the convention are divided into a vehicle-screening perimeter and a pedestrian-restricted perimeter.
In the vehicle screening perimeter, pedestrians and bicyclists will be able to enter freely, but vehicles will need to go through a screening point. The pedestrian-restricted perimeter will be accessible only to people with credentials or tickets for the DNC.
At the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee this month, CBS News Chicago's cameras captured the fencing and other barriers that will look similar at the DNC. Businesses in Milwaukee thought they would be extremely busy—but weren't.
At the Billy Goat Tavern's location at 1535 W. Madison St.—just outside the yellow zone—business drying up due to security restrictions is one of the concerns.
"I watched the news up in Wisconsin, and to see that a lot of the bars and restaurants, you know, didn't do as well as they thought they were going to do," said Billy Goat Tavern manager Gail Doherty. "So I'm hoping that's not the case here."
Mayor Brandon Johnson said the city is ready for the big event, and Secret Service and Chicago Police said they are ready for anything.
"We have reviewed the security plan for the DNC, and remain confident. Our plan allows us to adjust for any possible scenario," said Secret Service Deputy Special Agent in Charge Derek Mayer.
Chicago Police Supt. Larry Snelling said police will assess and "move with the flow of intelligence" to maintain safety. He said police will be in constant communication with protest groups and that "clear expectations" have been addressed.
"The Chicago Police Department will not only allow everyone who comes here to express their First Amendment rights, but we will also protect their rights while they are doing it," Snelling said. "What we will not tolerate is vandalism to our city. What will we not tolerate is violent activity."
The DNC will take place from August 19 through August 22 at the United Center and McCormick Place.
Officials will host a final training exercise just days before the DNC starts. The security plan includes detailed security procedures for planned and pop-up protest demonstrations.