Police commander supports satellite office in West Town

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Police commander gestures.
Chicago Police 12th District Cmdr. James M. Baier is joined by Officer Ozzie Caravallo and Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36th) speak to EVA members on March 12 at Roots Pizza.

A Grand Avenue site is earmarked for a satellite Chicago Police station, the new Near West police commander and a West Side alderman told East Village Association members on March 12.

The second location would pay "huge dividends," said James M. Baier, a Mount Greenwood resident and former Lincoln District (20th) commander. "This is a target rich environment," Baier said. "The whole area is booming, thriving. This is where people want to come to." The district hosts 130 street festivals, the most in the city, and a Bally’s Casino is set to open at the end of 2026 at the former Chicago Tribune printing plant site.

In a November 2024 advisory referendum, a satellite office received 75% support, said Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36th Ward). Villegas said a satellite would aid West Town officers patroling the Division and Chicago Avenue entertainment zones distant from the squadroom at 1412 S. Blue Island Ave.

A Streets and Sanitation Department facility at Rockwell and Grand near Smith Park is under consideration for the satellite office, Villegas said, suggesting that tax-increment financing could support capital improvements. If the plan does not progress by May 1, Villegas said he "will ask the community to start raising hell."

Aldermen Daniel La Spata (1st Ward) and Walter Burnett (27th) Spata (1st Ward) are also said to on board with a satellite office. The district ranges from Division and Kedzie to the Chicago River's south branch.

In response to questions, Baier credited Police Supt. Larry Snelling for recruiting new police officers. "We went through three awful years when no one wanted to be us," Baier said. "When the head guy stands with you, people notice it. That inspired a lot of cops, and that attracts people. It’s going to take years to get to full strength."

Villegas repeated a call for City Council hearings on wrongful convictions. "There needs to be a serious discussion about liabilities," he said. "What’s the plan?"

New EVA officers elected

A slate of East Village Association officers was approved unanimously to serve till next March:

  • President: Bob Zwolinski
  • Vice President: Jenifer Goldsmith
  • Treasurer: Brandon Winter
  • Secretary: Neal McKnight
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