Chicago Residents Outraged Over Sudden No-Parking Zones Ahead of DNC

Community members seek clarity as parking restrictions expand beyond expected areas

Photo byScreen Capture/Youtube Video [Creator]

CHICAGO - preparations for the Democratic National Convention (DNC) continue in Chicago, residents near key event sites are expressing concerns about unexpected no-parking zones that have emerged on their streets. Despite living outside the designated car-free zones mapped out by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Secret Service, some residents have encountered no-parking signs, leading to confusion and frustration.

The new parking restrictions began taking effect on Monday, with signs indicating that vehicles parked in these areas would be towed starting Wednesday. For many residents, this was the first indication that their street parking would be impacted by the DNC.

The affected areas include neighborhoods near the United Center on the Near West Side and near McCormick Place in the South Loop. Residents are now scrambling to relocate their cars in response to the sudden enforcement of these no-parking zones, which they say is disrupting their daily routines.

Lucky Sharma, a student who lives in the affected area, described the inconvenience of having to move his car to a friend’s location due to the new restrictions. "I’m heading out right now to park my car elsewhere," Sharma explained, noting that the unexpected parking rules are particularly burdensome given his limited budget.

Another resident, Angie Stefanovic, highlighted the personal impact of the parking restrictions, explaining that they would alter her schedule and affect her ability to see her boyfriend during the convention. "This is definitely going to change when we can be around here or where he can park, which is putting a strain on my relationship," Stefanovic said.

Ald. Pat Dowell (3rd), who represents the South Loop and the area surrounding McCormick Place, has acknowledged the residents' concerns. Dowell’s office is reportedly working with the Secret Service to ease parking restrictions in these neighborhoods. Residents holding residential parking permits are expected to have access to nearby permit zones during the DNC, according to Dowell’s office.

"Residents who have residential parking permits will be able to park in surrounding neighborhoods—where there are residential parking permit areas—for the duration of the DNC," Dowell said.

Similarly, Ald. Walter Burnett (27th), whose ward includes the United Center, is advocating for relaxed parking rules to minimize disruption for local residents during the event.