Chicago resolution seeks improved public access to restrooms

CHICAGO (AP) — A group of Chicago City Council members has signed a resolution to improve public access to restrooms.

The Chicago Tribune reports that 19 alderman are supporting Alderman Daniel La Spata's proposal after a review by the newspaper last fall found large sections of the city had few or no public access to restrooms.^[1]

“What jumps out for most people is that this is related primarily to homelessness, but really it’s for all Chicagoans,” La Spata told the Tribune. “Anyone who’s out for a run, any parent who’s out with their child … and had an emergency need and felt like they had no options, this is a resolution promoting a solution for you.”

The resolution charges the city council with developing a plan to increase the johns. More than 20 advocacy groups along with state officials back the idea.

Portable toilets installed at a Jefferson Park “L” station this year during a maintenance project were a hit, said Democratic state Rep. Lindsey LaPointe.

The newspaper's review found that most barrier-free public bathrooms aren't open at night or close during cold months. The approximately 250 operated by the Chicago Transit Authority aren't open to non-riders.

Police have issued 29,000 tickets since 2016 to people caught relieving themselves outdoors.

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