August, 2010
Dear GNMAA Members,
Security on the Avenue can be a difficult subject to discuss. We want our guests, residents and employees to always see the best of what we have to offer: beautiful gardens, star studded events and world class hotels, stores and restaurants. Though we often focus on the beauty of the Avenue, we equally recognize the importance of creating a safe and pleasant environment for all who come here. We sometimes take for granted the behind-the-scenes work the Chicago Police Department puts into managing and protecting our neighborhood. But we most certainly should not.
What would The Magnificent Mile and surrounding area be if we did not feel safe walking its streets, or if we did not have the support and collaboration of the Chicago Police Department for our events? The officers who serve our city are critical components for tourism in our neighborhood. Whether they are managing crowds at the Blackhawks Parade, effectively redirecting pedestrian and vehicle traffic for “Transformers 3” filming, or prioritizing safety for the annual Magnificent Mile Lights Festival® presented by Harris, we know we can count on them to positively manage our guests’ experiences in these exciting (and sometimes trying) situations.
Chicago police officers are key components of our guests’ experiences, and their performance can directly be attributed to the first rate leadership of Deputy Chief Jim Keating, Commander Ken Angarone and his Business Liaisons Sergeant Raymond Palczynski and Sergeant Dave Eshoo of the 18th District and Commander Chris Kennedy and his Business Liaison Sergeant Ron Graziano of the 1st District. The commitment of these leaders and individuals should not go unnoticed. If you come across an officer and get a chance to say “thank you”, please do. As you know, it has been a difficult summer for them, and a simple expression of gratitude could mean more than you know.
Peter Simoncelli
Chairman of the Board
