For Chicago NATO summit brings commuter headaches
Datetime:2012-06-01 Hits:
In addition to encouraging workers to telecommute, some companies are beefing up their own security.
Boeing Co., housed in a building along the Chicago River, has put protective panels on windows to guard against damage from a planned Monday demonstration. The Willis Tower, the nation's tallest building, has erected fencing around the perimeter.
Some businesses are closing altogether. BMO Harris Bank will shut the doors of three downtown branches. So will the Illinois secretary of state's offices.
However, companies in the Willis Tower, along with its tourist destination Skydeck, will remain open. "We're planning for business as usual," Tower spokeswoman Kate Murphy said.
The city has taken more subtle precautions as well.
Solar-powered trash cans have been removed and replaced with wire mesh containers that would be harder to use to conceal an explosive. Similarly, the Postal Service - which has warned of slower mail service - said it would remove some downtown mailboxes.
Construction companies have been told to make sure their sites are secure and that they have picked up any loose bricks or other objects that could be used as weapons or to shatter windows. They've also been told to notify police of any unusual markings that don't look like run-of-the-mill graffiti tags. Security experts say those markings can be used by anarchist protesters to communicate with each other.
Downtown buildings have stored sheets of plywood that can be immediately placed over broken windows. One condominium association even told residents to leave.
"We are STRONGLY recommending that all residents find alternative places to stay during the conference," wrote the Library Tower Condominium Association in a memo. Another building urged residents to refrain from wearing expensive clothes or jewelry or carrying a purse or shopping bags to avoid becoming a target of protesters.
Meanwhile, protest organizers insist their demonstrations will be peaceful. They blame police for scaring Chicagoans in an effort to keep crowd numbers down.
