While the Starbucks on 1901 Dempster St. has resumed regular operations following after-school disturbances in the area, the city is tackling ways to improve safety in the Dempster-Dodge corridor.

The Starbucks at 1901 Dempster St., which recently started closing down on weekday afternoons because of "safety and security" concerns.
The Starbucks at 1901 Dempster St., which temporarily closed on weekday afternoons because of “safety and security” concerns. Credit: Duncan Agnew

Second Ward Council Member Krissie Harris said during a March 30 ward meeting that she saw “disturbing” footage of encounters in the area. 

“There was an incident at Valli [1910 Dempster St.] and there were many incidents between Dunkin’ Donuts, Burger King, Subway – but we saw footage of Burger King and Valli,” Harris said.

The Dempster-Dodge corridor saw 11 batteries in the past few months, Evanston Police Sgt. Chelsea Brown said at the March 30 meeting.

The footage, which shows people fighting, has not been made public yet, she said. However, the tapes have been shared with Evanston Township High School and the Evanston Police Department.

EPD Commander Ryan Glew did not have updates on the disturbances at this time. ETHS representatives were unreachable as the district is currently on spring break.

Harris previously held a community meeting with businesses and constituents in the area, including District 202 and the police, to address the disturbances, with employment opportunities being a potential solution.

“Let’s offer these kids some jobs. Let’s keep them engaged, let’s train them,” Harris said.

She said the area has seen a decline in disturbances in recent weeks, with another community meeting planned for the near future.

With election day at hand, she said her immediate focus is the campaign.

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Manan Bhavnani

Prior to joining the RoundTable, Manan Bhavnani covered business and technology for the International Business Times, with a focus on mergers, earnings and governance. He is a double Medill graduate, with...

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  1. “Let’s offer these kids some jobs. Let’s keep them engaged, let’s train them,” said our new alderperson Krissie Harris.

    Ms. Harris, will all respect (meant very sincerely), these kids don’t need jobs. What they do need is parents. The duty of making these children into adults is not the city’s responsibility. It’s not yours. It’s their parents.

    We are past the time when people can be given a pass. It is time for people – teens and adults – to be responsible for both their actions AND their lack of action. It is time to hold people accountable.

    Reply

  2. And the purpose of this story on election day was what? Yes, a different City Council Member is needed. That’s my take.

    Reply