Below is a summary of what was discussed at the BOMA/Chicago Preparedness Committee meeting on July 21st, 2020. The meeting was held via teleconference and included a wide range of attendees, with members of the Chicago Police Department, Chicago Fire Department, Department of Homeland Security, and other government agencies.
BOMA/Chicago Update:
- Farzin Parang was introduced as the new Executive Director of BOMA/Chicago, replacing the retiring Michael Conrnicelli. Farzin is a former attorney, former Mayor’s Office employee, and will be the highest-ranking staff employee at BOMA/Chicago. He will be responsible for Board meetings, government outreach, etc.
Protests Update:
- Tom Henkey provided an update, which included a recap of the late May and early June protests and civil unrest, noted lull in recent weeks, and escalation last weekend to include anarchist leaning Black Bloc protesters targeting police.
Coronavirus Update:
- BOMA/Chicago is monitoring the changing requirements/restrictions. This includes the pending restriction limits on gyms, bars, etc. similar to Phase 3 status.
- The commercial building sector remains essentially unchanged by these adjustments.
The Chicago Police Department (CPD) Update:
- 1st District:
- Tony Ciaravino provided an update, which included a recap of the civil unrest near Columbus statue in Grant Park.
- Upcoming protests are planned.
- There has been an increase in illegal guns recovered in the 1st District.
- Overall violent crime is down over 2019.
- 12th District
- Mike Karczewski provided an update, which included a recap of the ongoing protest activity in the 12th District and two recent violent crimes.
- The recent civil unrest has the potential to drain CPD resources from outer districts.
- 18th District:
- A new Sergeant is replacing Amanda Vanek.
- The 18th District has been monitoring ongoing protests.
- The recent demonstrations and property damage have resulted in 1,500 arrests related to civil unrest and 780 for looting citywide.
The Chicago Fire Department (CFD) Update:
- Fire drills are still required for Category 1 and 2 buildings, and recommended for Category 3 and 4 buildings.
- “Virtual” drills do not meet the ordinance requirement; it is recommended going floor-by-floor for drills, and going to emergency doors but not entering the stairwells.
- Fire Safety Director (FSD) certification and recertification is ongoing using social-distancing safeguards.
Additional Notes:
- Protests: Expected to by a busy weekend with multiple protests planned/scheduled; note that spontaneous or non-permitted demonstrations are becoming frequent.
Below is the current list:
- July 22nd at 8:30 am, 42 W Madison to 1443 N Ogden (Noble Academy/CICS ChicagoQuest). The group will gather for their cause “Chicago Teachers Union March: #CTUSafeReturn.”
- July 24th at 12:00 pm, 230 South Dearborn. The group will gather for their cause “Protest for Extension of Federal Benefits.” July 24th at 1:00 pm, S Morgan/W Roosevelt to 1400 W Jackson (CPD Academy). The group will gather for their cause “Elijah McClain Car Caravan & Protest.”
- July 24th at 6:00 pm, W 18th / S Paulina. The group will gather for their cause “No ICE Citizens Academy”
- July 25th at 2:00 pm, E Roosevelt/S Columbus (Columbus Statue). The group will gather for their cause “Back the Blue.” – counter-protesters expected
- July 25th at 4:00 pm, 500 S Columbus (Buckingham Fountain). The group will gather for their cause “Call to Abolish ICE: ICE protest.”
- July 25th at 5:00 pm, 500 S Columbus (Buckingham Fountain). The group will gather for their case “Black Lives Matter Rally & March: Demand Defund 12 Now!”
- July 31st at 10:00 am, N State/Lake. The group will gather for their cause “Paint Black Lives Matter Mural.”
- July 31st at 5:00 pm, E Roosevelt/S Columbus (Columbus Statue). The group will gather for their cause “No Racist Symbols March & Rally.”
- July 31st at 6:00 pm, 1901 W Madison (United Center). The group will gather for their cause “Native Americans are Not Your Mascots: Chicago Blackhawks.”
- August 1 at 9:00 am, 711 West Monroe (Old St. Patricks) to W Washington / N Paulina. The group will gather for their cause “Black Lives Matter March”
- August 1st at 5:00 pm, 1412 W Washington (Fraternal Order of Police). The group will gather for their cause “Press Conference and Rally to Demand Dismantle and Defund CPD.”
- August 1st at 7:00 pm, 201 E Randolph (Millennium Park). The group will gather for their cause “Solidarity Street: Abolish CPD Block Party.”
Next Meeting:
- The August 18th monthly BOMA/Chicago Preparedness Committee meeting may be via teleconference or in-person depending on the situation and social distancing guidelines from public-health organizations.
As always, if you “See Something, Say Something”. For life-threatening emergencies, call 911. To report suspicious activity, call 855-RPRT-2-S4 (855-777-8274).