Chicago police, Secret Service canvass homeowners, businesses about security plans ahead of DNC

CHICAGO (WLS) -- The Secret Service and Chicago police have launched the newest phase of the public safety plan for the upcoming Democratic National Convention.

On Monday, they began reaching out to people and businesses that will be impacted by shutdowns around one of the key venues for the convention.

Law enforcement teams have been planning for security for the DNC in August, heading out on a very important advance mission on Monday in the South Loop.

Chicago police, the Office of Emergency Management & Communications and the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection made contact with businesses around McCormick Place, which will host events leading up to the DNC, to inform them about the potential impact the convention will have on their neighborhood.

"I think with the information that we're given, it'll help us kind of allow the staff to understand what to prepare for, and also just to expect getting to work will definitely be a factor," said Holly Malnati with Pizano's Pizza.

Officers were also going door-to-door, speaking with people who live in the area to give them a heads-up about DNC security zone closures. They provided those people with informational handouts as well.

The teams also asked businesses to provide them with information about their access needs.

"They actually will have an impact. We will work with them to ensure how they can get their deliveries, how they can get their mail, how they can operate within these conditions," said Glen Brooks with the Chicago Police Department.

For some businesses near McCormick Place, the DNC closures posing some real challenges ahead.

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"We're probably going to have to redirect traffic to more of remote closings, use shared spaces and other things, because I'm pretty sure I wouldn't even want to put my customers through that experience of trying to get here," said Tuwanna Dennis with DRG Title Agency.

Others are excited to tap into the influx of conventioneers.

"We went to a networking event a while ago, and they were talking about just how much business it's going to bring. And with being here next to McCormick Place, we're used to seeing this influx of people, but this is going to be a big one for us," said Fatpour Tapworks Sales Manager Kevin White.

This is just the beginning of the outreach effort. Next month, the Secret Service will be conducting a similar canvas by the United Center, with more detailed information about closures expected to be released in July.

"Ultimately our goal is to minimize a disruptions to residents and businesses, while providing a safe and secure environment for attendees of the DNC as well as the public," U.S. Secret Service Assistant Special Agent in Charge Joel Heffernan said.

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