With DNC less than 1 week away, security zones taking shape near United Center

CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) - A week before the Democratic National Convention takes the stage, organizers started putting up their most visible security measure - large fencing.

WBBM observed crews installing the tall metal fencing around the United Center at around 9:15 a.m. Similar fencing was slated to go up around McCormick Place as well.

As forklifts whizzed by carrying stacks of fencing, Chicago police officers went door to door on Washington, between Wood and Wolcott to tell residents to get their cars off the street.

“They literally just knocked on the door…That’s how I found out,” one resident told WBBM.

One man moving his car told WBBM that the no parking signs tied to streets and light poles were not there Sunday.

Other than finding a new place to park, he says he doesn’t have a problem with all the activity and excess security.

“I’m not really bothered by it,” he said. “I’m used to it by now. They always have stuff like this.”

The signs warned of a tow zone, but not until Wednesday.

Josh Goralski lives at Washington and Hermitage, an area he said was initially included in the security zone but not on a second map of the area.

“No one’s actually ever said concisely, ‘you’re in the security perimeter,’ or ‘you’re not in the security perimeter.’” Are we allowed to go into the security perimeter bce

He said his condo building has told him and his neighbors to carry their IDs so they can get home, but he’d like more clarity on whether they’re in the secure zone or not.

“No one’s actually ever said concisely, ‘You’re in the security perimeter,’ or ‘You’re not in the security perimeter.’” Are we allowed to go into the security perimeter because we live so close or not?” Goralski asked.

DNC organizers say the perimeter will be finished by Friday and access will be restricted to cars and pedestrians around McCormick Place at 10 p.m. Friday and at 7 p.m. on Saturday outside the United Center.

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