CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Downtown Ald. Brendan Reilly (42nd) has proposed a plan to banish the mostly-empty newspaper racks seen around downtown Chicago.
Multiple newsracks have been around since 1999, when the City Council authorized them on the sidewalks. A variety of publications took advantage.
In the decades since, though, Reilly pointed out that the newspaper business has changed, and there are other ways for smaller and independent publications to distribute their work, thanks to the internet and social media.
The newsracks, he said, have fallen into a state of disuse and disrepair. Some are being used as drop boxes and hiding places for illegal material, or to stash trash.
Reilly has introduced an ordinance that would eliminate the multiple news racks. Violators could face fines from $25 – $200.
Listen to our new podcast Looped In: Chicago
Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!
Sign up and follow WBBM Newsradio
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | TikTok