Mumford & Sons' Lakefront Show Sparks Concerns From Neighbors
CHICAGO (CBS) -- A big concert Wednesday night has raised some big concerns along the lakefront, where Grammy winners Mumford & Sons will play before a crowd of 35,000 at Montrose Beach.
The extra traffic, large crowds, and the possibility of rainy weather have officials on alert.
The Wavefront Music Festival was held at Montrose Beach in 2012 and 2013, but was canceled in 2014 after neighbors complained about the noise and traffic created by the festival. Ald. James Cappleman has met with residents and concert promoters, and has said steps have been taken to minimize the impact on neighbors.
Mumford & Sons, who have headlined Lollapalooza in the past, will be taking over Montrose Beach at 6 p.m., with fellow British rock band The Maccabees as the opening act.
Not everyone in the area was worried about the potential for noise from the concert.
"It's all about what quality. What are you hearing, you know? And Mumford & Sons is going to be performing, and they're a really highly energetic and positive band, and they're popular all around the world. I say show up, if you can, and enjoy yourself," said stage crew member Nathan Aubrey.
The members of the stage crew weren't the only ones making money off the concert.
Nickolas Cocalis, owner of Horizon Café, said he hopes to see many music fans for their pre-concert meal.
"We do actually get a spike. You'll see it maybe about an hour-and-a-half prior to a concert, and then they all rush in, and they all rush out," he said.
Others said Chicago should continue to use its lakefront as a backdrop for the world's great rock bands.
"Anything on the lake by the beach makes it feel more like you're on the East Coast or the West Coast, not in the Midwest, so that's exciting," said Mary Millette. "You're on the Fresh Coast, Lake Michigan."
If you're headed to the concert, concert organizers advised not driving, as there is very limited parking in the area.
Fans instead have been urged to take public transportation. The CTA Red Line stops just a couple blocks away, at Wilson and Broadway, and several bus lines stop nearby. The CTA has said it will run extra buses and trains for the show.
Bicycles also are an option, as organizers were setting up racks for about 5,000 bikes, as well as a bicycle valet service; and there will be extra Divvy stations at the Montrose Avenue entrance, for those who use the city's bike sharing system.
