Quote:
Originally Posted by maru2501
Right. NYC had looting initially but hasn't seen it return
I think long term COVID is the bigger deal. Also because so many companies are probably going to forever reduce the number of workers they pull into central office locations. They now have the chance to reduce rented space and overhead, now that they have seen they can still run their businesses with so many remote workers. That will trickle down again to retail
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Already happening.
https://theusawire.com/2020/08/26675...ckKDwvHUtkskQs
Chicago Alderman says businesses leaving Magnificent Mile
American Wire ^ | August 13, 2020 | Josh Wilson
Chicago’s famous Magnificent Mile, a major shopping district in the city’s downtown, may be losing some of its longtime tenants. Chicago Alderman Raymond Lopez said the situation in Chicago is pretty sad at this point.
“We’re seeing a lot of the same mistakes from the end of May being re-performed again following this past weekend’s looting,” Lopez said.
Lopez says that downtown Chicago has always been a major hub for business and a frequent place to visit by tourists. Now he fears that might no longer be the case.
“The fear is spreading, the anxiety is spreading and we’re seeing individuals who used to see the downtown areas, like the crown jewel of our city, now wanting to leave, people who live there wanting to re-evaluate their choice in housing options and stores who were just starting to get past the main riots and looting thinking that they may not stay on the Magnificent Mile anymore,” he said.
Chicago has been front and center during the nationwide protests and riots. President Donald Trump has been a vocal critic of the city’s leadership for failing to control crime. On Sunday, downtown Chicago was overrun by looters with many high-end retailers being vandalized.
Chicago Police Superintendent David Brown held a press conference earlier this week to address the situation.
“Criminals took to the streets with a confidence that there would be no consequences for their actions and I, for one, refuse to allow these cowardly acts to hold our city hostage,” Brown said. “CPD will not stand by as our beautiful downtown becomes someplace that people fear.”
Lopez says that a number of elected officials want repercussions and accountability but they are outnumbered by leaders like Mayor Lori Lightfoot.
“The problem is that our law enforcement, our mayor, and our state’s attorney have not been on the same page when it comes to the adjudication of justice in Chicago,” Lopez said.
“The fact that State’s Attorney Kim Foxx is delusional in thinking that criminals who see no repercussions will be stopped simply because an activity is illegal shows how out of touch she is.”
Even the Ronald McDonald House wasn’t safe from the looters on Sunday.
“SAD & UNACCEPTABLE: The Ronald McDonald House in Chicago was vandalized during looting early Monday morning while families & their sick children huddled inside. The liberal mayor must control her streets,” tweeted White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany.
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