City Council Considers Expanding Ordinance To Include River Street Gas Stations

The City of Kankakee's Ordinance Committee convened on July 26, 2025, to address ongoing concerns regarding public safety and property damage in the downtown area. The meeting highlighted discussions about the effectiveness of current ordinances and potential expansions to address issues related to single-serve alcohol sales.

Committee members expressed frustration over the challenges faced by local police, who feel constrained in their ability to manage recurring incidents involving individuals known to frequent the area. There was a proposal to consider expanding the existing single-serve alcohol ordinance beyond its current boundaries, which primarily covers the downtown area. Specifically, members discussed the possibility of including gas stations on River Street and the Jewel grocery store, as these locations have been identified as sources where individuals can purchase single-serve alcohol and return to the downtown area.

Concerns were also raised about recent vandalism at the depot, where an individual reportedly damaged property with a baseball bat. This incident underscored the need for vigilance in maintaining public safety and property integrity in the area.

While some committee members were hesitant to expand the ordinance at this time, they acknowledged that as the River Walk development progresses, it may become necessary to revisit the issue. The committee agreed that further discussions with the police chief and other stakeholders would be beneficial to assess the situation and explore potential solutions.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the ongoing challenges faced by the City of Kankakee regarding public safety and the management of alcohol sales. The committee plans to continue monitoring the situation and will consider further discussions in light of future developments in the downtown area.