During a recent special meeting in Highland Park, tensions ran high as community members expressed their concerns over safety in the wake of recent violence. The meeting, which was marked by a call for order from the chair, highlighted the emotional stakes involved, particularly for residents who have been directly affected by crime.

The chair acknowledged the challenges of maintaining decorum in a charged environment, emphasizing the need for respectful dialogue. \"I have the whole city of people who are expecting us to conduct ourselves like adults,\" the chair stated, underscoring the importance of structured communication during the meeting. To facilitate this, a time limit for speakers was established, extending from the usual two minutes to three minutes to accommodate the gravity of the discussions.

One resident, visibly shaken, shared her personal tragedy, revealing that she had lost two brothers to violence in the city. Her emotional plea underscored the urgency of the safety concerns being raised by community members. \"We want people to be safe,\" she declared, reflecting a shared sentiment among those present.

The meeting served as a platform for residents to voice their fears and frustrations, highlighting the ongoing struggle for safety in Highland Park. As discussions continue, the community remains hopeful for actionable solutions to address the pressing issues of violence and safety in their neighborhoods.