Chicago Girls- NATO Summit

[citygirl2012]

DH's work is urging everyone to work from home on Friday and Monday. My condo building is on lockdown starting Friday. I have some appointments (dentist, etc.) that I scheduled some time ago and I just want to get on with my life. Am I naive in thinking that I can just go about my business as usual? I live in River North.

[SJ]

I was going to post about this yesterday!

Our firm is having a really hard time deciding what to do Fri/Mon. We are right in the Loop near the Board of Trade. My boss & I would like to work, but we keep hearing more and more buzz about how businesses are closing, etc. Starbucks installed "shatter-proof" film on all their storefronts in case of riots, etc.

[noonecareswhoiam]

Personally I plan to go about my day as usual... unless there appears to be a reason not to. I live far enough west to be unaffected, but my office is North Michigan Ave, which I anticipate to be a target area.

[SJ]

May 15, 2012 12:29:21 GMT -5 swizzlestx said:

Sara -- is there any way you guys can work from home? Or at least keep on top of e-mail? I would hate to be trapped at work or otherwise unable to get home on a Friday.

We can easily stay on top of e-mail and do a lot of work from home. It's the trading system that is hard to do remotely with no one in the office.

[Brie]

I'm flying into Midway Friday night and out Sunday night. Will be in the suburbs all weekend. Am I totally screwed? Will there be tons of delays?

[thekikimonster]

May 15, 2012 12:36:40 GMT -5 Brie said:

I'm flying into Midway Friday night and out Sunday night. Will be in the suburbs all weekend. Am I totally screwed? Will there be tons of delays?

You should be fine if you are in the suburbs.

[barleyhops]

I have employees in the Prudential Building, and after yesterdays disturbance I have asked them all to work from home and the rest of us in other locations will handle anything that they can't do remotely.

What a mess!

[Canella]

May 15, 2012 11:49:00 GMT -5 citygirl2012 said:

DH's work is urging everyone to work from home on Friday and Monday. My condo building is on lockdown starting Friday. I have some appointments (dentist, etc.) that I scheduled some time ago and I just want to get on with my life. Am I naive in thinking that I can just go about my business as usual? I live in River North.

Ehh. I know the media tends to exaggerate sometimes, but I think it will get bad downtown. Maybe it won't be total chaos as in riots and destruction, but as far as getting errands done, it will be more of an obstacle.

H's company is still unsure if people will work from home (although it's starting to lean that way now) but they've been told to wear "scrubby" clothing to blend in.

There has been some public art (Like The Four Seasons) that has been covered up to prevent destruction (which some people are upset about) and mailboxes and garbage cans have been removed.

I have 2 friends that work for the news stations and they have been given bullet proof vests and gas maks. Crazy, but of course it's bettered to be prepared for these type of things.

I feel bad for all my friends who take the Metra in/out of the city. Luckily, I work outside of downtown so hopefully it won't be total chaos.

I'm so curious to see everything unfold. There already have been arrests, but the real crazies have yet to come out. I'd like to think Rahm/Chicago PD/others who planned this got this locked down...

[noonecareswhoiam]

I have a friend who works for the Chicago PD. He's hoping for the best but ready for the worst. Seriously, the CPD is SO undermanned right now, they can't handle a "normal" workload. And every cop will be pulled from the South and West side neighborhoods that need them. Personally, I'm hoping it rains. All weekend. Hard.

[lmb5109]

May 15, 2012 12:54:08 GMT -5 noonecareswhoiam said:

I have a friend who works for the Chicago PD. He's hoping for the best but ready for the worst. Seriously, the CPD is SO undermanned right now, they can't handle a "normal" workload. And every cop will be pulled from the South and West side neighborhoods that need them. Personally, I'm hoping it rains. All weekend. Hard.

The news this morning said that cops from Milwaukee and other states will be here to help, I hope it's enough.

Man, am I glad we just moved out of the city!

[citygirl2012]

It's supposed to be in the 80s and sunny on Saturday- so probably a very nice day. Urgh! I don't want to have to cancel my appointments and errands this weekend.

[peachie]

I would cancel the appointments. I also live in River North and our building is on lockdown for it too. We have been warned we might need to show ID to police to get back to our building if they close streets, etc. It just don't seem worth the hassel. Plus, its already going to be so congested why add to it? Our building pretty much suggested that residents go stay w/ family outside the loop or if you do stay in building, stay inside and go out only in emergencies.

My H's law firm (also in River North) sent out a notice that no one is go into the office on Sunday & Monday, something they NEVER do. If attorneys still choose to go in- it better be a good reason, and they suggested wearing casual looking clothes.

I am just going to stock up on groceries and pet supplies, be a hermit and watch a lot of movies during the whole thing.

[Brie]

May 15, 2012 12:38:44 GMT -5 thekikimonster said:

May 15, 2012 12:36:40 GMT -5 Brie said:

I'm flying into Midway Friday night and out Sunday night. Will be in the suburbs all weekend. Am I totally screwed? Will there be tons of delays?

You should be fine if you are in the suburbs.

Yeah, I'm mostly concerned about flight security and delays. I imagine it'll be pretty tight. I'll wear my scrubby unprofessional clothes and hope for the best.

[hannamarin]

We had the G7 last yr in Toronto. It was horrible. Nice protests were overtaken by crazy peopleburning police cars. Crazy!

[hopeful2012]

I live in the suburbs but work downtown (River North area).

My work (a law firm) has encouraged us not to come in over the weekend or on Monday and encouraged us to dress more casually on Friday.

I plan to work from home Monday and I'm hoping that I can also manage to do the same on Friday without looking bad but that has yet tobe determined...

I take Metra back and forth and I just think its going to be a major pain, even on Friday.

[Deleted]

I'm glad this post was started. We live on Michigan Ave in the loop... And we will be traveling home that Sunday from my college graduation. Are we safe to head home? I really don't want to stay in the suburbs.

Also, SO is expected to come in to work that Monday. He works in a major financial building in the loop- I want him to work from home. What would you do?

[Daria Morgandorffer]

We're closing on Monday here, I work in the loop and it's probably going to be insane. I do not want to deal with the Metra that day at all.

[darnkatz]

We live in Logan Square, so I'm hoping we won't be affected. I just plan on staying close to home. We've already got a huge protest against Rahm here because of the closing of the mental health clinics, so I really won't be surprised if there is a protest against NATO.

Fair warning - I received an email that there will be something called Shadow Summit on Saturday on Wacker put on by Amnesty International. Expect more congestion from that.

[Daria Morgandorffer]

May 15, 2012 14:17:10 GMT -5 tacom said:

I'm glad this post was started. We live on Michigan Ave in the loop... And we will be traveling home that Sunday from my college graduation. Are we safe to head home? I really don't want to stay in the suburbs.

Also, SO is expected to come in to work that Monday. He works in a major financial building in the loop- I want him to work from home. What would you do?

The 90/94 and the 55 are going to be closed all weekend, both ways, so I'm guessing traffic will be UNREAL.

I'd tell your H to work from home if at all possible.

[Deleted]

May 15, 2012 14:21:40 GMT -5 Daria Morgandorffer said:

May 15, 2012 14:17:10 GMT -5 tacom said:

I'm glad this post was started. We live on Michigan Ave in the loop... And we will be traveling home that Sunday from my college graduation. Are we safe to head home? I really don't want to stay in the suburbs.

Also, SO is expected to come in to work that Monday. He works in a major financial building in the loop- I want him to work from home. What would you do?

The 90/94 and the 55 are going to be closed all weekend, both ways, so I'm guessing traffic will be UNREAL.

I'd tell your H to work from home if at all possible.

we were going to take the south shore. I'm sure it will be delayed, but I was really hoping to avoid sleeping on my friend's couch for additional nights if at all possible. But if people think it would be unsafe to return home, then I'd take that into consideration. I am mostly worried because we live in a nicer building in the heart of the mess, and I don't want to be targeted.

I will ask him to work from home on Monday

[ChiGuest]

Funny article from the Tribune regarding the Nato summit

www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/natosummit/ct-met-huppke-column-nato-20120515,0,2538709.story

Some highlights:
You may have heard that the NATO summit will cause unparalleled traffic delays and bring city transportation to a virtual standstill. That is, of course, completely ridiculous (though perhaps just a tiny bit true).

All you have to remember is that if you're traveling from the North Side of Chicago to the South Side, your quickest route will be to drive north to Milwaukee, take a ferry across the lake to Muskegon, Mich., then drive south to Indiana, hang a right, and before you know it, you're in Hyde Park.

or


"One of the best ways to stay safe and not get sneered at by hemp-clad youth is to carry a crudely constructed sign. Ideal slogans include: "Up With Dolphins," "I Strongly Support That Thing We're Yelling About," "OIL + WAR = BAD" and "I'm Definitely Not a Member of a Capitalist Society, Just Trying to Earn an Honest Living."

[boiler717]

I have a work dinner Thursday night in River North and was planning on staying at a hotel on Michigan. I'm wondering if I should stay out in Evanston or something instead since I have to head up to Milwaukee in the morning. Thanks for the heads up, I had no idea this was going on (I don't live in Chicago).

[fashionx]

@ Boiler - I would definitely stay in Evanston so you can leave more easily on Friday.

I live in the near west suburbs but often come to Chicago to see clients for work -- I'm not going to go in at all Friday-Monday. I'm not too worried since I don't really go downtown, but I'd rather avoid the highways and everything else as well since I'm sure it'll be a mess.

[noonecareswhoiam]

I wouldn't stay in Evanston--it's too far off the expressway. I'd stay in Skokie right off 94 or Deerfield (which will have a greater selection of hotels).

[boiler717]

May 16, 2012 10:16:59 GMT -5 noonecareswhoiam said:

I wouldn't stay in Evanston--it's too far off the expressway. I'd stay in Skokie right off 94 or Deerfield (which will have a greater selection of hotels).

Thanks! I'm staying right off 94 instead.

[Rachael070707]

I'm so glad I am not going to be home this weekend to deal with this.

I know that was very helpful to this thread's discussion

I will be curious to see how everyone faired though.

[dancingirl21]

Does everyone think the Metra will be crazy just because no one will drive? H works right on Lake Shore Drive, across from Navy Pier, and he HAS to go in on Friday. We live in the western burbs, so he normally drives in on the Ike. But he's thinking he will be way better off taking the Metra, right?

[lmb5109]

May 16, 2012 12:41:50 GMT -5 dancingirl21 said:

Does everyone think the Metra will be crazy just because no one will drive? H works right on Lake Shore Drive, across from Navy Pier, and he HAS to go in on Friday. We live in the western burbs, so he normally drives in on the Ike. But he's thinking he will be way better off taking the Metra, right?

I think the metra will be quiet on Friday since most seem to be closed on Friday. I'd think he'd be better off walking from the Metra to his job rather than trying to get a cab or take a bus.

[ChiGuest]

May 16, 2012 12:41:50 GMT -5 dancingirl21 said:

Does everyone think the Metra will be crazy just because no one will drive? H works right on Lake Shore Drive, across from Navy Pier, and he HAS to go in on Friday. We live in the western burbs, so he normally drives in on the Ike. But he's thinking he will be way better off taking the Metra, right?

Just a heads up about taking the metra: Only 1 bag allowed (that means if you have a purse and your laptop, it's one or the other...) and no drinks.

People are already whining about not being able to have their morning coffee, ha.

Pretty much expect airport-stye security.

[dancingirl21]

May 16, 2012 13:32:42 GMT -5 @ChiGuest said:

May 16, 2012 12:41:50 GMT -5 dancingirl21 said:

Does everyone think the Metra will be crazy just because no one will drive? H works right on Lake Shore Drive, across from Navy Pier, and he HAS to go in on Friday. We live in the western burbs, so he normally drives in on the Ike. But he's thinking he will be way better off taking the Metra, right?

Just a heads up about taking the metra: Only 1 bag allowed (that means if you have a purse and your laptop, it's one or the other...) and no drinks.

People are already whining about not being able to have their morning coffee, ha.

Pretty much expect airport-stye security.

Awesome info - good to know! He'll be fine, as a guy, but I'll let him know about the drink situation too.

And to the other poster who thinks the Metra will be calm, I agree. He generally does just walk when he takes the train, instead of wait for a bus, so that's no big deal. Thanks, ladies. Good luck to you all in the city!