Curfews on the Fourth: Balancing Safety with Restrictions at 31st Street Beach

On the Fourth of July, Vernell Watkins was having a great time at the barbecue on 31st Street Beach. However, his joy was cut short when the 9 p.m. curfew came into effect. He felt frustrated that he and other adults over 35 were being restricted from enjoying their families without any problems or issues.

The curfew at 31st Street Beach was put in place due to multiple shootings that took place near the beach during the last two weeks of June. Alderman Lamont Robinson stated that the curfew will be evaluated daily after the holiday to determine if it needs to continue. Initially, a 10-day curfew was proposed, but after concerns from a local business owner about potential revenue loss, the curfew was extended only through Monday.

Lester Watkins, another resident, supported the 9 p.m. curfew due to the recent violent incidents near the beach, including a young lady stabbing someone and a 17-year-old girl getting shot by a concealed carry holder after stabbing him. In addition, there were fatal shootings in a parking lot near the beach on several occasions in June.

The Chicago Police Department has increased its presence around the beach to improve safety and address recent incidents. Fences have been put up and bag checkpoints have been set up at entrance points to ensure that people are not bringing weapons onto the beach.