President Obama’s Kenwood community has grabbed attention lately more for the wrong reasons, as in the last three months, the tony area has been the site of three murders not far from the commander-in-chief’s residence. Also, the adjoining Hyde Park area was the site of violent tragedy on Memorial Day, with the shooting death of 22-year-old Aeyanuna Rogers at a viaduct near 57th Street Beach.
While violent and non-violent criminal activity is nothing new to Hyde Park and Kenwood, the neighborhood has long enjoyed a reputation as a safe enclave compared with some other South Side neighborhoods. In light of the latest headlines, RedEye asked community residents about how safe they feel.
(All photos for RedEye by Kyle Coward.)
I REALLY DO NOT FEEL SAFE AT ANY TIME I VENTURE OUT INTO THE STREET. I LIVE IN SOUTH SHORE AND THE CRIME IS INDEED GROWING ALL OVER THE AREA ESPECIALLY ON 71ST AND JEFFERY.