You know it's only a matter of time now. Once it hits the papers, it's moved beyond a "trial balloon" type of idea:
Chicago Police Supt. Garry McCarthy is exploring the politically volatile idea of closing district police stations to save millions and free scores of officers for street duty.
McCarthy is under the gun to cut at least $190 million from the police department’s $1.3 billion-a-year budget. He is under further pressure to put more police officers on beat patrol at a time when the city can’t afford to hire more officers.
- Sources familiar with the current deliberations refused to identify the stations that could be closed or pinpoint the precise number being talked about. The oldest stations are: Monroe (012), Prairie(021), Wood (013), Belmont (019), Wentworth (002), Harrison (011), Rogers Park (024), Calumet(005) and Grand Crossing (003).
They've already broken ground on a new 012, while 019, 002, 011 and 005 are all Areas. That leaves 021, 013, 024, and 003. Prairie is the most obvious closure and Wood is the next. That evens out the political fallout north side versus south side.
Speculation time! Then Rahm announces a new construction project or two, combines 020 and 024 with some minor adjustments, and builds a new Wenworth Area that combines part of 002, 003 and the left overs from 021. Geographically, it makes sense. Demographically, it might need some work. But we are definitely on the road to 23 or fewer districts. There are even quotes from supportive aldercreatures.
Speculation time! Then Rahm announces a new construction project or two, combines 020 and 024 with some minor adjustments, and builds a new Wenworth Area that combines part of 002, 003 and the left overs from 021. Geographically, it makes sense. Demographically, it might need some work. But we are definitely on the road to 23 or fewer districts. There are even quotes from supportive aldercreatures.