Our Team Has Received A Growing Number Of Inquiries About Tent Dwellings In The Meadows And Elsewhere Nearby
Many residents have likely observed this growing presence of tent encampments in nearby parks, alongside related issues like public litter, property misuse, and sanitation concerns.
We are aware of these conditions, and understand the worry and frustration some folks have expressed. South of Foster Avenue, encampments have grown into quite the communities, seemingly without any apparent restraint. As members of the Edgewater community, we all share these concerns and desire a firmer commitment to keeping our surrounding parklands safe, clean, comfortable and accessible.
Our team recognizes the deep complexities surrounding homelessness and housing insecurity in Chicago, but we also understand that our residents and Owners want to ensure our public spaces remain safe and sanitary, so they can be enjoyed by your families and neighbors. For our part, management has been pressuring the 48th Ward team to do more, and we have a meeting at Alderwoman Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth’s office the week of September 7th.
Residents and Owners can make their voices heard too. And the more people who act, the more likely there will be a meaningful response. If you wish to report specific issues such as litter, excess debris and sanitation, or let your voice be heard by local officials in a position to directly address the tent dwelling issue, here are suggestions to communicate most effectively:
1. Utilize Chicago 311 for Specific Actions
The city tracks service requests through its 311 platform. Instead of making broad complaints, your reports will be resolved faster if they target specific, actionable categories. You can download the
CHI311 mobile app, file reports online at the
Chicago 311 Service Portal, or call 311.
- For Litter, Trash, and Hazardous Waste: File a report under “Public Way Service Request” or “Garbage/Debris Overcrowding.” Specify the exact park location or intersection.
- For Public Sanitation Concerns: Report public urination, defecation, or biohazards under “Street Cleaning” or contact 311 to request a sanitation inspection for the affected park zone.
- To Request Outreach Services: If you believe individuals are in immediate need of shelter, medical attention, or social services, you can explicitly request a “Homeless Outreach Wellness Check” through 311. The city partners with the Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) to send trained professionals to offer housing and mental health resources.
Note: Always request and save your 10-digit 311 tracking number so you can follow up on the status of the city’s response.
2. Engage the 48th Ward Alderwoman’s Office
Our Alderman is responsible for directing ward-specific resources and advocating for our neighborhood at City Hall. Emailing or calling the ward office with your tracked 311 numbers is highly effective.
- Contact: Visit the official 48th Ward Website Office Page to find the current constituent service email and phone line.
- What to Say: State that you are a resident of Park Tower Condo. Provide a concise, factual description of the issue (e.g., date, specific park area, and the exact problem like blocked walkways or accumulated trash) and include your 311 reference numbers.
- Tone Tip: Focus your message on public health, safety, and park accessibility. Advise the office on how these conditions affect your usage of the neighborhood infrastructure.
3. Attend Local CAPS (Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy) Meetings
For broader concerns regarding public safety or illegal activity, residents are encouraged to attend our local police district’s CAPS meetings. Park Tower is located within the 20th Police District.
- These meetings provide a direct forum to speak face-to-face with neighborhood relations officers and the district commander.
- You can track upcoming meeting dates, times, and community locations directly on the Chicago Police Department 20th District Calendar
