Find the meeting agenda here -

The meeting is now open to public comment. Public commentors have 2mins to address the council.

The first commentor is sharing -
"What is the 24th district opinion on block clubs?"
This commentor is interested in implementing a block club in their neighborhood and wanted to know what the council views on these community groups.

In response -
Council members shared that they are still in the process of getting to know these community groups. They "encourage" block clubs to contact the council, especially if they want to add an agenda item.

Another council members response - "it's complicated"
This member spoke to the racist history of block clubs. "When they are weaponized, I don't like them".
"Let's make sure they are done in a way that is more neighborly than aggressive"

The last council member responded -
"Block clubs should be about community building"

Overall, it seems like the council is aware of how these tools and groups can be abused to further police and implement racist beliefs. Their seem focused on safety through community building over enforcement.

Here's a great quote from a council member -
"clubs can become exclusive"

A second commentor is addressing the council -
They shared unique feedback The Policing Project gathered in response to the question "What makes you feel safe?"
Chicago responses indicated that people felt alone - meaning they didn't have a group to go to for safety.

A zoom question for the commander is being addressed -
This community member is asking what the protocol on addressing loitering outside of grocery stores.

In response, the commander shared -
"Retail loitering is different from public way. It should be considered more a public assist, than police action"

In relation to this concern, another community member is asking "what effort is needed to address organized crime?"
This is refence to the belief that organized robberies are very common in the area.

In response, the commander shared -
When an organized crime group acts, information is shared amongst the council districts. With this info, councils try to provide a more "visible presence".

The meeting is being called. The next meeting is at 1545 W Morris @ 630pm, Wednesday April 17th

This meeting ended at 3:55pm today. Overall, the environment was relaxed, honest and collaborative.

An important meeting update:
Edvette W. Jones, the Community Engagement council member for District 24 is leaving the council.
This was their last meeting. For those interested in applying to #DC024 should email Veronica I. Arreola Veronica.Arreola@cityofchicago.org