Great article. I always appreciate when my home city is covered in an honest way. Since I moved to the Southwest 17 years ago - I travel back home to Chicago once a year or so. And when I take my wife + kids to the museum campus or Millennium Park - safety is a major issue that I never thought about when I lived there.
My dad + I would go to white Sox games and park several blocks away to save money on parking. I could not imagine doing that with my boys now.
It's a crying shame what's happened to the city, isn't it? Who would have thought areas like museum campus and Mag Mile would be considered dangerous - especially during the day? And how very sad that you can't relive those special moments at the game with your own boys.
I have some friends who grew up on the south side! I grew up on the northwest side, lived in Lincoln Park in my early 20s, then moved back to the northwest side when I got married. These areas were decent places to live, though you still had to always be aware, especially at night. What's happening now in these neighborhoods is surreal.
In addition to electing smart, common sense politicians, who have the will to implement effective public safety policy, people in the local communities need to come together, and be involved, in turning this around. That goes for the head in the sand residents of the suburbs. The increase, and takeover of the city by violent criminals effects you too, increasingly coming out your way, with the kids of these suburban communities ending up in the city to party. Parents, wake up, the naive invincibility of youth will not prevent random acts of violence, as the violent become increasingly bold on where they go.
My wife would take our children down to Grant Park on the week days on the Metra. This was over 25 years ago. Sadly, she would never risk it today.
In fact, since I retired 2 years ago we have moved out of state because we concluded Illinois had become too expensive and Chicago metro crime too out of control. We feel like we were forced out due to these factors. Good luck to all those staying behind.
Finding politicians who fit your description are sadly tough to find. And in my experience, most people would rather run, then fight. The problem is that there are fewer places left to run to.
Great article. I always appreciate when my home city is covered in an honest way. Since I moved to the Southwest 17 years ago - I travel back home to Chicago once a year or so. And when I take my wife + kids to the museum campus or Millennium Park - safety is a major issue that I never thought about when I lived there.
My dad + I would go to white Sox games and park several blocks away to save money on parking. I could not imagine doing that with my boys now.
Thanks so much!
It's a crying shame what's happened to the city, isn't it? Who would have thought areas like museum campus and Mag Mile would be considered dangerous - especially during the day? And how very sad that you can't relive those special moments at the game with your own boys.
I have some friends who grew up on the south side! I grew up on the northwest side, lived in Lincoln Park in my early 20s, then moved back to the northwest side when I got married. These areas were decent places to live, though you still had to always be aware, especially at night. What's happening now in these neighborhoods is surreal.
In addition to electing smart, common sense politicians, who have the will to implement effective public safety policy, people in the local communities need to come together, and be involved, in turning this around. That goes for the head in the sand residents of the suburbs. The increase, and takeover of the city by violent criminals effects you too, increasingly coming out your way, with the kids of these suburban communities ending up in the city to party. Parents, wake up, the naive invincibility of youth will not prevent random acts of violence, as the violent become increasingly bold on where they go.
My wife would take our children down to Grant Park on the week days on the Metra. This was over 25 years ago. Sadly, she would never risk it today.
In fact, since I retired 2 years ago we have moved out of state because we concluded Illinois had become too expensive and Chicago metro crime too out of control. We feel like we were forced out due to these factors. Good luck to all those staying behind.
Yes, I used to feel comfortable taking the bus and El / Subway. Now? I wouldn't risk it. Especially after the SAFE-T Act goes into effect.
Illinois is one of the states experiencing the highest number of residents leaving. Property taxes are insane, and you get little in return for it.
It boggles the mind that the people of Illinois voted for more of the same last month.
Completely agree!
Finding politicians who fit your description are sadly tough to find. And in my experience, most people would rather run, then fight. The problem is that there are fewer places left to run to.
Have you heard about this group? https://safesuburbsusa.com/
And on Twitter: https://twitter.com/SafeSuburbsUSA