What is the problem or opportunity? 

• The city currently leases an enclosed space in the Metra Station to a tattoo studio for $500 per month.  The City Council, having decided not to renew the lease upon its expiration this summer, can now consider commercial, noncommercial, and municipal uses for the space (contingent upon Metra's approval).  In recent years, criminal activity has significantly increased in and around the station. To address this problem, the city has implemented measures including locking the train station, removing benches, installing surveillance cameras, and increasing police patrols in the area.  Locking the station and removing benches have resulted in inconvenience and discomfort for train riders, especially during periods of extreme weather.   

What can be done to address it?

• The City Council could direct city staff to - at least temporarily - repurpose the train station space as a Police Department substation.  Adequate lighting, signage, reserved parking spaces and a blue light emergency phone could be installed outside the building, while suitable equipment could be provided for the interior.  A regular police presence would likely deter criminal activity in the area and improve the chances of eventually reinstalling benches and reopening the train station in a safe and sustainable manner; moreover, the substation could be used as a centrally located police command center for special events in the train station parking lot.  Minimal initial and ongoing costs are anticipated for repurposing the space.  The substation's implementation and use are not expected to negatively impact Police Department operations.

Last updated 3.4.24