"We're Not Safe" NW Chicago Residents Demand Gompers Park Homeless Encampment be Removed Immediately

NW Chicago residents demand city take action as fears related to safety, public health grow at Gompers Park

Grompers Park encampment on the North-West Side of Chicago has residents worrying over their safetyPhoto byScreen Capture/Youtube Video [Creator]

CHICAGO - Chicago's Northwest Side residents are calling for the city to address a homeless encampment in Gompers Park, raising concerns over safety and public health. The encampment, consisting of a dozen or more tents, has prompted frustration among neighbors, who say the park is no longer a safe or welcoming space for families and regular visitors.

On a recent Tuesday morning, several individuals camping in the park were observed setting up a campfire, which violates city regulations prohibiting open fires in public parks. Despite the visible infraction, no immediate action was taken, heightening concerns among local residents.

Lisa Stringer, a member of the Restore Gompers Park Coalition, voiced her concerns, stating, "It's not safe for them, not safe for the residents, and not safe for anyone who uses the park."

Gompers Park, a 40-acre recreational area named after labor leader Samuel Gompers, has long been a favored destination for Northwest Side residents. However, many now avoid the park due to the encampment, citing an increase in criminal activity, substance use, and concerns over sanitation. Some campers have reportedly used the park’s lagoon as a restroom, further alarming the community.

Alderman Samantha Nugent of the 39th Ward has been working with local authorities and residents to address the situation. She noted that while the city has been conducting monthly cleanups, these efforts have not resolved the larger issue.

"There have been instances of crime, drinking, and drug use. Residents are rightly concerned about public health and safety," Nugent said, echoing the sentiments of the coalition.

On Tuesday, members of the Restore Gompers Park Coalition delivered petitions to Alderman Nugent's office, urging the city to take immediate action. They are asking for an accelerated process to relocate the unhoused individuals to more permanent housing.

"We want proper housing for these individuals," said Gail Fritz, another coalition member. "We're not saying to kick them out and leave them on the streets. We're advocating for solutions that offer them better living conditions."

Nugent, who has expressed similar frustrations, acknowledged the limitations of current efforts. "We've worked with all the city partners we’re supposed to be working with, and it's just not enough. A cleanup once a month is not addressing the bigger crisis we have at Gompers Park. The community is frustrated, and I share their concerns," she said.

The coalition and residents are now pushing for what they describe as an "accelerated moving event" to ensure those living in the park are provided with safe housing alternatives. While the city continues to explore options, the community remains anxious for a more comprehensive solution.

The situation at Gompers Park underscores the broader challenges Chicago faces in managing homelessness, particularly in public spaces. Residents, local leaders, and city officials continue to navigate a difficult balance between addressing the needs of the unhoused and maintaining public safety and health for all who use the city's parks.