DOWNTOWN — Downtown businesses and residents are learning more about how they’ll be affected by the Democratic National Convention.
On Monday, teams began walking door to door around McCormick Place, handing out flyers with information on the Aug. 19-22 Democratic National Convention.
The teams were made up of members from the Secret Service, FBI, representatives from the city of Chicago, the Chicago Police Department, Chicago’s Office of Emergency Management and the Chicago 2024 Host Committee.
The DNC is considered a “national special security event,” which means the Secret Service will be in charge of safety inside the designated footprint of the convention, primarily taking place at the United Center and McCormick Place. Chicago police will be in charge of safety outside the footprint.
On Monday, the Secret Service released tentative maps that show what areas around the United Center and McCormick Place could be affected by the security footprint. The final footprint will be released in July, officials said.
Nearly 300 businesses within the boundaries could be affected by the convention, said Jeff Burnside, DNC coordinator for Secret Service.
Around the United Center, impacted areas include Ashland Avenue west to North Leavitt Street and West Maypole Avenue south to West Van Buren Boulevard.
Affected areas around McCormick Place include the convention center west to South State Street and East Cullerton Street south to East 26th Place.
A team of law enforcement agents stopped by Pizano’s Pizza, around the corner from McCormick Place at 2106 S. Indiana Ave. A member of the team collected contact information for the business in addition to dropping off flyers for restaurant patrons.
“Objectives today are to begin the conversation with the community. We want to listen to their questions and concerns while receiving their input to further assess the security planning efforts for the two designated … venues,” Burnside said.
Holly Malnati, communications director for the restaurant, was there to greet the team. She said she’s glad the group has started outreach early. Top of mind for the restaurant includes how staff will be able to get to and from the restaurant.
“Obviously, we are in very close proximity to the convention center. So just understanding the shutdown and what that means for us being in such a high security zone. … Other than that, I think we’re in a great spot. We’re just excited to see the foot traffic and what all the convention will bring for our business,”‘” Malnati said.
Teams will canvass the area around the United Center on April 11. Officials said another canvassing will take place after the security footprint is announced in July.
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