33rd Ward Alderwoman Rossana Rodríguez | Facebook
33rd Ward Alderwoman Rossana Rodríguez | Facebook
Amazon has begun the process of removing company lockers stationed in city parks across the state after complaints started to trickle in from all walks.
“Neighbors, our office was recently made aware of a newly installed Amazon delivery hub in Brands Park that is clearly obstructing a public walkway,” Chicago 33rd Ward Ald. Rossana Rodriguez posted on Facebook. “We contacted the park who informed us that the hub was improperly installed and will be moved ASAP. We are also looking into the contractual relationship between Amazon and the Chicago Park District because we do not believe this to be a proper use of public property.”
Company officials are now pledging to review other locker locations, all of them positioned in city parks through an agreement with the Chicago Park District. According to Block Club Chicago, there are currently other plans calling for dozens of the lockers to be erected across the city.
In the Brands Park case, neighborhood residents immediately took to social media to blast the hub as unsightly and to point out that they pose safety challenges for people with strollers and individuals in wheelchairs.
Concerns don’t end there, as evidenced by as many 100 people recently signing off on a petition demanding that city officials “keep our parks community spaces free from predatory businesses like Amazon.”
Amazon spokesperson Av Zammit vowed that the company will be more respectful in the future.
“We value the community’s feedback and are taking action to respond to these concerns,” she said. “We are also reviewing our other locker installations in partnership with Chicago Park District to ensure they are all located in appropriate areas that serve both customers and the community.”
Chicago Park District spokesperson Irene Tostado declined to say how much revenue the partnership is expected to generate for the city.
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