Kankakee officials say cameras, lighting have reduced gatherings at gazebo; depot incidents isolated

Kankakee City leaders reported the gazebo and depot area downtown have seen fewer large gatherings since the city added cameras and improved lighting, though occasional, isolated incidents continue to occur.

"The gazebo has generally gotten better," said Dee O'Brien, an alderman, during the committee's meeting. Committee members said depot surveillance now includes four cameras: one facing south, two facing north and one directed at the fountain. Officials credited the video for helping identify and arrest at least one person who damaged light bollards.

The committee discussed an incident at the Amtrak station that staff described as a domestic disturbance rather than a random act; that event, too, was captured on camera. Officials said the depot corridor from the north end to the stage is railroad property, which limits the city's direct jurisdiction over some areas.

City Manager Elizabeth (first reference as City Manager Elizabeth) said improved lighting and camera coverage have helped enforcement and evidence collection but cautioned that conditions can vary day to day. "It's a very isolated incident," she said of the Amtrak-area domestic situation and added that video evidence has been useful for arrests and follow-up.

Committee members raised related maintenance and safety items: the city ordered new bollards after damage from a person carrying a baseball bat in July, and members noted the cost of replacement. They also discussed extending camera or lighting coverage near South Dearborn and Hickory streets, where gatherings have moved at times.

The committee did not adopt new policy at the meeting but agreed to continue monitoring enforcement in the gazebo and depot area and keep the item on future agendas so staff can report back on any changes, coordination with the railroad where appropriate, and whether additional coverage is feasible.

Background: Committee members said the cameras and lighting were installed recently and that the footage has been used in at least one arrest. The depot's railroad ownership means some areas are outside the city's property and jurisdiction, which limits what the city can enforce without railroad cooperation.

Next steps: Staff will continue enforcement efforts, coordinate with railroad property owners where necessary and report updates to the committee at a future meeting.