A private security guard working at the Jefferson Park CTA Terminal, 4917 N. Milwaukee Ave., reportedly returned fire after a group of three people started harassing him and then fired read story
City crews clear tents from Legion Park on Chicago’s NW Side
by BRIAN NADIG
City crews cleared out the tent encampments Tuesday morning, March 17, from Legion Park, 3103 W. Peterson Ave.
It’s not clear how many people were living in the park on Tuesday when crews arrived.
Some of the residents of the encampments had moved out in recent weeks due to a fire last month that destroyed several tents and in anticipation of the March 17 deadline that the Chicago Park District had set for the closure of the park’s two encampments.
It’s believed that some relocated to nearby Ronan Park, 3000 W. Argyle St., or accepted the city’s offer of temporary or permanent housing assistance.
Alderman Samantha Nugent (39th) issued the following statement:
“Legion Park is an important space for our community, and it should be safe and accessible for everyone. “After multiple fires at the encampment in the park, including the most recent one that destroyed several tents, it became clear that this situation was dangerous for both those living there and in the surrounding neighborhood. I am glad to see the city, Chicago Park District and outreach providers on-site today to connect those experiencing homelessness with shelter, services and support, and to prevent future situations that put people’s safety at risk.”
Parks For All has been critical of the city’s decision to shut down the encampments, describing it as inhumane. On Tuesday a group of about 20 people reportedly showed up at Legion protesting the encampment closures.
Some housing advocates have called for the park district to provide water and electrical access year round for those living at parks. Currently electrical access is being provided for an encampment at Eugene Field Annex, 5103 N. Pulaski Road.
Last year at Legion, the park district had makeshift living structures removed from along the park’s river embankment after a series of fires but until Tuesday permitted tents to remain in other areas of Legion, where many homes along Jersey Avenue back up to the park.
There are reportedly no plans at this time to close the encampments at other area parks.
(photo by William Swanson)
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