Does Uptown Need The Guardian Angels?

Please use this post to discuss whether or not Uptown needs the Guardian Angels and if so, how we go about getting them on Uptown streets. Long-time Uptown residents may remember when the Angels were in Uptown in the late 80's but then left due to lack of community support. For some background on the Guardian Angel's history in Uptown, check out this video.
The photo above shows 1218 W. Wilson, just east of the current-day Magnolia Cafe. This photo was taken in the late 80's and shows the former Uptown headquarters of the Guardian Angels.

Guardian Angels

Last year there was talk here of asking the Guardian Angels to patrol Uptown.  It seems that the past couple nights of violence at North Avenue Beach and Oak Street Beach has brought their presence to Lincoln Park.  Read about it here in the Tribune.  Readers are writing to us with comments:

• "Why haven't they been "dispatched" to our area in response to the crime? It didn't sound like anyone in that area explicitly asked for them to come [to Lincoln Park], rather it was an automatic response."
• "The Lincoln Park area gets a one night experience with our nightly ordeal. They get the Guardian Angels in response."
• "It is funny that the Mayor's response is almost identical to the one Helen uses."
• "I don’t remember that they were ever contacted for patrols in Uptown last year, but maybe this year is the year we get it done."

What do you think?

Is This Needed In Uptown?

Check out the CTA Tattler for a post discussing the "Guardian Angels" and whether or not they crossed the line when they "detained" taggers who were allegedly vandalizing a CTA train at the Western Blue Line station. With all of the vandalism and crime in Uptown, are the Guardian Angels needed here? Discuss.

Guardian Angels Are Coming -- To Boystown

We have to say, we're disappointed.

After ten years without a central headquarters, the Chicago Guardian Angels have chosen to set up shop in Boystown.  "Why not Uptown?" a reader asks.  And we have to concur, particularly after reading this article in RedEye about the new headquarters.

• They say areas like Boystown are relatively safe.  Much safer than Uptown, we presume.  So why go to a safe neighborhood?
• They say they need to be by the Red Line.  Well, we can think of ten empty Uptown storefronts that are steps from the Red Line... and even in the Red Line station.
• They mention the past summer's troubles in Boystown.  What about the past three summers of gang violence in Uptown?
• They say they want to work with an engaged community.  Guys, have you ever heard of such an engaged community as we have here?

Well, they'll be close and that's better than nothing... but we wish they had chosen to be here, instead.