With the Democratic National Convention just around the corner, businesses in downtown Chicago are preparing for the worst, while hoping for the best.
The streets around the United Center and McCormick Place are already beginning to feel the impact of this event, so some store owners have decided to shield themselves.
Some businesses, with decades of history, are protecting their merchandise and premises with wooden boards, protecting them from possible unrest as the city prepares for the convention.
In Chicago, menswear retailer Syd Jerome isn’t letting down its guard.
Its owner, Scott Shapiro, told us that after what happened in 2020, he has decided that this time it is better to be safe than sorry.
“We have done it in the past. We closed our doors before elections because we feared there would be incidents and repercussions, depending on how the election went. We know that, we have been in business for over 65 years,” he said.
For many residents, the headaches are just beginning. If you live near the United Center or McCormick Place, take precautions.
Starting this Friday, August 16, there will be parking restrictions on several streets. Some of the prohibitions are
On Lake Street, Jackson Blvd, and Washington Blvd, among others.
But it’s not all bad news. While some businesses are sheltering in place, others are seeing an economic boom thanks to the events leading up to the convention.
