Chatham residents seek end to violence near park

When Stephen Pegues was growing up near Cole Park in the Chatham neighborhood, he loved hanging out and playing basketball.

But shootings in the park, 301 East 85th St., in recent months have the 39-year-old post worker worried.

"I grew up here. So when I heard someone (was) killed here (it) is really troubling," he said. "We never had that happen before. I just feel it needs to be more done about it."

Rev. Jesse Jackson and a group of local ministers and people from churches gathered together in Cole Park yesterday to call on more residents and city officials to make efforts to reduce gun violence.

"We need targeted job and job training. We want to meet the mayor, the governor and the president," Jackson said. "Stop the flow of guns. Stop the flow of drugs. Put America back to work now."

Ald. Freddrenna Lyle (6th), whose ward includes Cole Park, said three children have been shot there in recent months, one in March and two in April.

"We (had) to remove the basketball (hoop) from the park now," said Lyle, who grew up in the area. "It is just an example of how dire the situation has become in our communities."

She and others at the gathering said that more programs and activities should be made available for youth at the parks as an alternative to being on the street or involved in crime.

Two lawmakers recently suggested the National Guard be deployed in Chicago to quell the violence. But the idea was not welcomed by those gathered Wednesday.

"We don't need (the) National Guard. We need a national response from my government to look upon the problems in urban America," said Rev.Michael Pfleger from the Faith Community of Saint Sabina. "We need help in Chicago. Let's have a comprehensive program."