Michigan Avenue Businesses Worry About Effects Of Mobs
UPDATED: 6/8/2011 11:29 p.m.
CHICAGO (CBS) -- The rash of mob attacks in the Streeterville neighborhood has tourism officials admitting the negative publicity could be bad for business during the busy summer season.
With the economy in a slow recovery mode, according to some economists, merchants along North Michigan Avenue expect to attract more out-of-town customers.
John Chikow, President of the Greater North Michigan Avenue Association, applauds the police department's handling of the mob attacks.
However, he admits it won't be good for the city if it's not stopped.
"If this continues, it would be an increasing concern about its overall impact on tourism," he said. "Right now, the good message is that the police are affecting arrests so quickly."
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CBS 2's Kristyn Hartman reports that some people are already changing their behavior--and if it continues, it would have the impact that Chikow fears.
Michael Gibson lives and works in the northern suburbs. He's heard all about the teenage mob violence.
"It would influence your decision to go down to Michigan Avenue or to Rush Street on a Friday or Saturday night," he said. "There's no way. No way you'd go down. Not at this particular time."
That's not what Chicago's hospitality industry wants to hear. An enormous portion of the billions of dollars stores, restaurants and museums earn every year comes from people who live in the suburbs and outside the Chicago area.
The city's thriving tourism industry keeps hotel employees working. If people stop coming here because they're scared of violent teenagers, middle class jobs will go away.
"I take it seriously," Andrea Holihan said. "It's a little unsettling."
Even a small change in behavior, multiplied many times, would have a big negative impact. Ladies nights out downtown are not in Holihan's immediate plans. She'll only be there with her husband, Gary.
"I wouldn't want to go with another girlfriend. I'd rather have a man with me."
Early evening strolls on Michigan Avenue? Not for Lisa Downey--if she's with her 3-year-old daughter, Greta.
"I think I'm less likely to bring my family down," she said.
To be fair, some of the north suburban residents said they will continue to enjoy downtown despite any threat.
Pat and Linda Connelley took a philosophical approach.
"I don't want young groups of individuals to have that influence on our society," Pat Connelley said.
Nearly 30 arrests have been made in the series of mob attacks that took place Saturday night within minutes of one another in the Streeterville neighborhood.
Another attack happened on Tuesday night just west of Michigan Avenue on Chicago Avenue.
