Streeterville tests new safety measures in Ogden Plaza to prevent teen takeovers as summer nears

CHICAGO (WGN) — Officials in the city’s Streeterville neighborhood are testing a new safety measure in hopes of curbing chaotic gatherings amongst teens.

Fencing can now be found surrounding Ogden Plaza as a temporary crowd-control experiment following so-called “teen takeovers” in the area.

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Earlier this spring, two separate teen gatherings left a 46-year-old tourist and a 15-year-old boy injured after being hit by gunfire. Charges have been filed against teens in both incidents.

Now, officials are worried about what’s to come when the weather warms up and schools let out for summer.

On Wednesday, the City Council met to discuss a new curfew policy for minors. Chicago’s current curfew for teens 17 and under was lowered to 10 p.m. three years ago.

Alderman Brian Hopkins (2nd Ward) attempted to force a vote on a plan to lower the Central Business District’s curfew to 8 p.m. but backed down in favor of a deal to expand police powers.

Hopkins says he’s seen some of the gatherings begin in Ogden Plaza before continuing onto Columbus Drive and wants to see if the new fencing can help cut down on the chaos.

It is not yet known how long the fencing will stay up.