India Post News Service

CHICAGO: Following up a meeting with the Area Police Commander Steve Caluris, members of the South Asian Merchants, led by Bhavesh Patel, met Alderman Bernard Stone last week to seek his assistance to redress their grievances, especially parking inconvenience to the customers of the Devon businesses. Commander Steve Caluris was also present.

The merchants reiterated their concerns to the Alderman. As a good friend of the businesses and the community, Alderman assured the group that he would earnestly take up the matter with the authorities to remove the no-parking signs displayed on the side streets during the day, so that the customers of the Devon Avenue business will be able to park their vehicles in the afternoon hours until the working members of the residences return home.

Alderman further assured that he would work out details to have the parking space on the crossing of Devon Ave and Rockwell available for business patrons for parking. The parking space is closed at present in view of the construction of condos and high rise parking facility. The matter is before the court and the businessmen sought Alderman's help in getting it re surfaced and opened for parking till the court disposes of the matter.

With a view to make Devon Avenue a more attractive retail business destination, the merchants have been trying to get funds from city/state or federal agencies. The Alderman told the businessmen and others attending the meet that he would take up this matter also with respective departments.

The merchants have expressed their satisfaction and appreciated the prompt action by Commander to alleviate the problems of the customers in parking during busy hours by requesting the motorists to hurry up and move rather than given them tickets for violations instantaneously. The merchants said they would contact Alderman Stone as well as Commander Caluris again to get details of follow up actions.