Encourage local officials to ensure the Point remains an open and welcoming space for all
For decades, the Point has been a welcoming, inclusive space for all people, no matter their age, race, or neighborhood. Encourage our local officials that the Point remains an open and welcoming space for all.
This letter targets:
- Alderman Desmon Yancy, 5th Ward Alderman
- Alderman Lamont Robinson, 4th Ward Alderman
- Alderwoman Maria Hadden, 49th Ward Alderman and Chair, Chicago Shoreline Advisory Board
- Jackie Rigley, Senior Policy Advisor, Water, City of Chicago
- Captain Tracey Edwards, 2nd District, Chicago Police Department
- Commander Marvin Branch, 3rd District, Chicago Police Department
- Superintendent Carlos Ramirez-Rosa, CEO Chicago Park District
- Ephraim Lee, Marquinn McDonald, and Alexander Perez, 2nd District Chicago Police Community Council
- Kenya Franklin and Janice Jones, 3rd District Chicago Police Community Council
Letter text:
I write to express my frustration about the increased police presence and bag searches at Promontory Point (the “Point”).
For decades, the Point has been a welcoming, inclusive space for all people, no matter their age, race, or neighborhood. Hyde Park’s elected officials— including former Alderman Leslie Hairston, State Senator Robert Peters, and Cook County Board member Bill Lowry — have spoken fondly of the Point as a safe space for themselves as teenagers. The Point has played this role in our community for generations.
I want to highlight that:
-Gatherings of teenagers are not inherently criminal. A gathering of people is not a reason to close the Point.
-The continued bag checks and random closing of the Point prevent everyone from enjoying the Lakefront.
I ask that you support the Promontory Point Conservancy’s requests:
1. Keep the Point open and accessible to all during regular park hours.
2. Don't exclude, harass, or illegally search Point-goers.
3. Don't expel teens from the Point or from gathering at other lakefront parks.
4. Prioritize transportation access for all Point-goers.
5. Ensure that the City and Park District are providing age-appropriate and relevant programming for teenagers and young adults on the South and West Sides.
6. Ensure community members – Point-goers of all ages and residents of the surrounding area – are consulted about what safety at the Point looks like and have input into policy and practice through community forums and dialogues.
I want the Point to continue to be an open and welcoming space for all, like it has been for generations.
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