(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — A proposed tax on businesses along North Michigan Avenue to help boost security has been approved by a Chicago City Council committee after some aldermen raised concerns about the plan.
Among the elected leaders with reservations was Ald. Brian Hopkins of the 2nd Ward, who, along with 42nd Ward Ald. Brendan Reilly, represents the Magnificent Mile.
Hopkins on Friday said they want to make sure enough money goes to safety measures, such as more security cameras and personnel, and not efforts to attract more shoppers and tourists to North Michigan Avenue.
"It just isn't the No. 1 priority right now," he said of marking efforts. "Which is actually a sad statement. I wish it was. I wish we could have the luxury of saying that tourism promotion for Michigan Avenue is the No. 1 priority.
"Until we solve the crime problem, it simply can't be the No. 1 priority."
The tax is expected to raise about $750,000 a year, with more than half of that going to security measures.
Recent smash-and-grab incidents and unruliness by youths have put Chicago's retail corridors on edge.
The two aldermen also wanted safeguards to ensure the tax only applied to businesses and not people living along North Michigan Avenue.
Hopkins said he expected the tax to be approved by the full Chicago City Council next week.
