Alderperson Desmon Yancy said on March 26 that there is no rideshare ban currently in effect near Promontory Point, following an incorrect notice from emergency officials that suggested restrictions would last through Monday.
The clarification comes after police and the Office of Emergency Management and Communications announced a temporary ban on dropoffs by rideshares, taxis, charters, and liveries in the area. The restriction had been set to expire at 10 p.m. Wednesday but was mistakenly listed online as lasting until Monday.
Yancy explained that the ban covering the area between 53rd Street, Lake Park Avenue, 57th Street, and DuSable Lake Shore Drive was intended as a response tool for perceived actions such as teen gatherings. “It was an error,” Yancy told Block Club Thursday afternoon. “The restrictions were supposed to go through 10 p.m. [Wednesday] night, but someone inadvertently put it in through Monday.” He added that Second District Commander Herbert Williams III confirmed with emergency management officials that this was a mistake.
Mary May, spokesperson for the Office of Emergency Management and Communications, referred questions to the Police Department, which did not immediately respond for comment.
Yancy said he could not confirm whether similar bans might be imposed again soon or in the future. “It’s possible they’ll use it again,” Yancy said. “I’ve asked [Williams] to give some heads up so we can give info out from our office and we’re not caught flat-footed.”
On Thursday morning, one resident reported being unable to complete a Lyft dropoff request near Harold Washington Park due to ongoing app-based restrictions; however, Block Club Chicago successfully requested rideshares around Promontory Point later that day.
According to the University of Chicago’s Department of Safety and Security, pickup and dropoff services for its free rideshare program would return to normal starting Thursday evening.
Yancy said Wednesday’s temporary restriction followed concerns about potential large youth gatherings during Chicago Public Schools’ spring break week but noted there were no incidents reported at Promontory Point Wednesday night despite about 200 young people visiting amid a significant police presence.
