Last week, the AHCA, along with Alds. Burke and Tabares and CPD Commander Pontecore, organized a group of concerned residents at 49th & Cicero. The reason we gathered was to show, very clearly, that the residents of Archer Heights and Vittum Park would not tolerate solicitation in our neighborhood.
The best part is – these gatherings are family friendly. You can bring your kids…and your four-legged friends, too!
It’s important to bring along the whole family and a few neighbors, too, because, as we’ve made it a point to reiterate, it’s very important to show up and show out. We can’t just sit around and grouse on Facebook; we must organize and vocalize our concerns repeatedly to our elected officials.
Now, with Commander Pontecore dedicated to helping us in this endeavor, our aldermen are also leaning in. Alds. Burke and Tabares were on hand to hear from their constituents regarding their concerns and issues with this growing problem.
We had a great turnout, and are hoping to keep up this momentum as the weather turns cold. It’s going to be a long fight, but if we’re vigilant, we can win it!
Commander Pontecore had some helpful pointers about “Positive Loitering,” which is something that we should all strive to do. Sit out on your stoop, chat with your neighbors, make your presence known to those walking our streets. And if you see something, SAY SOMETHING. Call 911, repeatedly, and have your neighbors do the same. Remember, it’s impossible to ignore a large and angry group of people who will not let up.
Let’s keep on, keepin’ on.