City Scales Back Parking Restrictions Near United Center
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Complaints to the city forced changes to what some residents believed had been severe parking restrictions for residents near the United Center during the Blackhawks' run in the Stanley Cup Final.
Overall, however, it appears those who live close to the stadium are happy with security plans for the neighborhood.
WBBM Newsradio's Dave Berner reports local residents had complained about bans on parking on some residential streets throughout the Stanley Cup Final series – whether the Blackhawks were playing at home or not.
The city has backed off a bit on those restrictions, banning parking on those streets only during the nights of home games.
Residents Welcome Added United Center Security
At least one resident said, although he welcomes the compromise, he didn't think it was a big deal to begin with.
"I went through it with the six championships with the Bulls, so I mean we ourselves were out celebrating," he said. "I mean, we're all part of this; even though we're in our community, it's still a city thing."
Most who live in the shadow of the United Center said they welcome the added security the neighborhood is seeing with the Blackhawks in the Stanley Cup Final.
And for the most part, the crowds are just a headache.
"When they're all in the streets, I mean that's really an inconvenience when the people … don't have no consideration for the people trying to get past," one woman said. "I noticed that now they have the little rails up."
Barricades have been put up along some streets near the United Center to keep packs of fans flowing in the right direction.
Down the street, at an alternative home for women, one worker was hoping to plant flowers on Friday, and she said Blackhawks fans always have been nice in the past; she doesn't expect them to be any different now.
"People continue to be as nice and polite as they are right now. I think we'll be okay," she said.
Police said they want to allow for revelry during the Stanley Cup, but they need people to be safe as well. They've had discussions with bar owners in the area about keeping things under control.
