More parking restrictions in place around United Center ahead of Chicago DNC

CHICAGO (WLS) -- The next wave of parking restrictions for the Democratic National Convention began Wednesday morning.

Crews are hard at work setting up all around the United Center as fences continue to go up, and Chicago police are closing certain streets as necessary.

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Residents on the West side have mixed feelings about it all, most of them already tired of the inconvenience to their day-to-day schedules.

The first round of parking restrictions went into effect on Monday.

Chicago is in the middle of a slight makeover as the city prepares for the convention next week. An eight-foot-tall barricade fence was placed around the United Center and McCormick Place for a couple of blocks in each direction.

Those who live in the areas or plan to visit should prepare for closures and parking restrictions throughout the next week. Officials say everyone should leave enough time to travel as well.

The construction is already impacting residents, who woke up to these fences in their front yard after crews installed them for a security perimeter.

"These fences... all the no parking. It's just ridiculous," said Ken Ellis, who lives near the United Center. "I don't understand why it's like this."

Other residents, like Aksh Gupta, are okay with the inconvenience. He said he contemplated leaving town but decided to stay put.

"There are good things that come with minor inconvenience like this," Gupta said. "I love the fact there is a lot of focus on the city and United Center, so we're excited about it.'

Signs posted around the United Center show parking restrictions will continue through August 25. One of those signs was posted on a tree near Paulina and Washington. However, the signs do not instruct residents where they are supposed to move their cars.

The city has urged residents to pay attention to posted signage detailing parking restrictions. Vehicles that are not removed from the street by the designated date and time will be ticketed and towed.

For inquiries about towed vehicles, call 312-744-4444. Or click here.

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Around the United Center, authorities said they will start enforcing the security restrictions and vehicular restrictions in the yellow area and credentialed pedestrian restrictions in the red zone on Saturday night.

Around McCormick Place, enforcement of similar restrictions starts on Friday night.

Some people said they're planning to be around the action to witness history.

"I think it's gonna be a lot of crazy intenseness going on," Chicago resident Deondre King said. "It's a lot to watch... police and everyone will be overworked. It's something to pay attention to and be safe."

More fencing will go up on West Adams Street on Thursday, adding additional parking restrictions and street closures from Damen to Wood.

"I really hope this shows Chicago is a great city," Gupta said. "We can have 2-300,000 people, dignitaries from all over the world, and it's exciting to see the world's eye on Chicago."

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