Members of Chicago's Public Safety Consortium gathered at the Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) today to discuss security initiatives surrounding election night events.

"This election, and the days leading up to it, has been filled with excitement and celebration," said Ray Orozco, Executive Director for OEMC at the press conference held at 1411 West Madison.

"Although it is natural that people would want to join in the celebration, it is also my responsibility to ensure the highest level of safety and security for our residents."

The City will have its Joint Operation Center activated from Monday, November 3rd to early Wednesday, November 5th to monitor activities throughout Chicago.

"Like we do for all large scale events, the City of Chicago will be monitoring activities that night from the ground as well as from our Joint Operations Center here at OEMC.

"At some point we may run into an overcrowding issue. Residents should be aware that if Grant Park reaches capacity people would be turned away," said Orozco.

"This is a distinct honor and it's an event that will give us an opportunity to showcase Chicago and exhibit our ability to host a major event. But like any major event in the City, public safety comes first."

Joining Orozco at the press conference were Superintendent Jody Weis, Chicago Police Department; John Brooks, Commissioner, Chicago Fire Department; Ron Huberman, President, CTA; Vance Henry, Director, CAPS; Revered Albert Tyson; Tom Kelly, United States Secret Service; Tim Mitchell, Superintendent, Chicago Park District; Judy Pardonnet`, Head of Media Relations, Metra; Bill Pepper, Chief Operations Officer, Metra; Michael Cornicelli, Executive Vice President, BOMA and Sara Alexander, Deputy Director, ChicagoFIRST.

The following are some of the parking restrictions, street closures and event guidelines that will be in place starting as early as Monday, November 3rd.

PARKING BANS:
Parking bans will be in effect from Lake Michigan to the Kennedy/Dan Ryan Expressway, and from the River on the North to 22nd Street on the South Tuesday, November 4th after the PM rush hour.

Residents should pay special attention to posted signs.

STREET CLOSURES:
On Saturday, November 1, 2008, Balbo will be closed between Columbus and Lake Shore Drive.

After the November 3rd AM rush hour, Columbus will be closed between Congress and Roosevelt. After the PM rush hour, the closure will extend as far north as Randolph.

Residents may see additional rolling closures throughout the Central Business District from Tuesday afternoon thru Wednesday morning.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION:
The Chicago Transit Authority will provide additional service and extend the hours of select bus and rail routes serving the Loop until 2 a.m. for individuals attending election night events downtown - including the Obama Grant Park rally - on Tuesday, November 4. CTA will operate longer trains; provide additional bus service and later service to accommodate attendees. Temporary street closures in the vicinity of Grant Park may necessitate reroutes so customers should allow extra travel time.

In addition, due to potentially crowded conditions, bicycles will not be allowed on the rail system after 4:00 p.m. Tuesday until 4:00 a.m. Wednesday morning.

MEDIA PARKING:
Event organizers are coordinating media parking inside Hutchinson Field. For security reasons, media parking outside of Hutchinson Field around Grant Park will also be heavily restricted.

Media can stage satellite trucks on Michigan Avenue between Roosevelt to Cermak. Maintaining compliance with all other parking regulations.

Additionally, media staging is available in front of the Hyatt Hotel, 151 East Wacker on the south curb lane.

HUTCHINSON FIELD:
The November 4th event in Hutchinson Field is a ticketed event hosted by the Obama Campaign.

The site opens at 8:30 p.m. and ticketed residents have been asked to enter through either East Congress Parkway or East Jackson.

Everyone coming into Hutchinson Field will be screened by event organizers and they have asked that residents refrain from bringing any bags, coolers, bottles, chairs, signs, banners or strollers into the park.

For more information on the event in Hutchinson Field, contact the Obama Campaign

For details about all CTA service call 836-7000 (all local area codes) or visit the CTA web site at www.transitchicago.com to use the travel planner feature.