(WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- With summer a matter of weeks away, the people working to quell the typical violence of the season say they are optimistic about the latest plans.
Mayor Brandon Johnson says Chicago will make investments in Englewood, West Garfield Park, Austin and Little Village this summer in hopes of turning young people away from violence.
How will his administration’s initiative improve on the past? The emphasis will be on people, Deputy Mayor for Community Safety Garien Gatewood said.
Gatewood said neighborhood people are directing the anti-violence effort, and alders helped find the front-line residents.
Gregory Matthews, with the Garfield Park Rite to Wellness Collaborative, admits people have heard promises of community involvement before. He said he has confidence in Mayor Johnson.
"Like most people know, the mayor was a community organizer himself," Matthews said. "He was actually out here, doing this work."
Anti-violence efforts are the focus of this weekend’s “At Issue" program. It airs 9:30 a.m. and 9:30 p.m. Sunday.
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