I moved away from Chicago in 2012 after 5 years there, and just visited this weekend for the first time... (Lincoln: neighborhoods, live)

[clutchcity]

I spent most of my time downtown, Lincoln Park, riding the El to/from O’Hare, and all I have to say is that Chicago seems WAY grittier, and less clean, as compared to when I lived here.

Every El train smelled of marijuana and I was asked for money by handlers at least half a dozen times.

Did something fundamentally change in the city over the past 7 years that’s causing this?

[Master Jay]

Hmmm. I've visited countless times over the years. Including areas you've mentioned. And I like things tidy and organized. But nothing stands out in the Lincoln Park area as gritty and dirty. And I do not recall any marijuana smells. I've ridden the Yellow, Brown, Red and Pink this year. I only recall one panhandler experience. It was by the Dunkin Donuts at North and Homan, about 3 weeks ago. Of course, when I have restaurant extras, I do like to offer to those asking for handouts.

[frimpter928]

Originally Posted by clutchcity

I spent most of my time downtown, Lincoln Park, riding the El to/from O’Hare, and all I have to say is that Chicago seems WAY grittier, and less clean, as compared to when I lived here.

Every El train smelled of marijuana and I was asked for money by handlers at least half a dozen times.

Did something fundamentally change in the city over the past 7 years that’s causing this?

I don't see it any more dirty or cleaner. The marijuana smell, I dunno, I haven't noticed that change and I take the train every day. Perhaps it was juts bad luck.

Now the pan handlers on the train, yes, for sure. I would say in the past 5 years you see a lot more panhandlers on the trains, and mentally unstable people. I would say that for sure has gotten worse.

[dtcbnd03]

Yeah we need to restrict all panhandling and homeless in the city. Force them into shelters or treatment centers. Eliminate all tent areas too.

Otherwise, I think the city is just as clean and tidy as it was 7 years ago. I hardly ever see trash or waste lying around and others that visit comment on the cleanliness of our city.

[jburress]

I think the OP suffers from reefer madness.

[glass_of_merlot]

Originally Posted by clutchcity

I spent most of my time downtown, Lincoln Park, riding the El to/from O’Hare, and all I have to say is that Chicago seems WAY grittier, and less clean, as compared to when I lived here.

Every El train smelled of marijuana and I was asked for money by handlers at least half a dozen times.

Did something fundamentally change in the city over the past 7 years that’s causing this?

No. Lol.. good try though..

[BOBNCHI]

Ha, if you think this has recently fundamentally changed for the worse, and it has not, you should have been around in the late 60's - early 70's!

[CCrest182]

Originally Posted by clutchcity

I spent most of my time downtown, Lincoln Park, riding the El to/from O’Hare, and all I have to say is that Chicago seems WAY grittier, and less clean, as compared to when I lived here.

Every El train smelled of marijuana and I was asked for money by handlers at least half a dozen times.

Did something fundamentally change in the city over the past 7 years that’s causing this?

If this is your first time seeing handlers downtown then I question you've ever even been to Chicago before.

[raleightransplant]

If anything, Chicago is cleaner and more Disneyfied in those areas than 7 years ago. Lincoln Park is Lincoln Park. The Loop gets better and more impressive every year, and the NW neighborhoods are booming. Panhandlers exist and always have..I've noticed no change one way or the other. Also, they're generally not aggressive here (they ask and move generally). Try San Francisco if you want aggressive panhandlers. Smelling weed in public spaces might be more prevalent than 7 yrs ago IIRC. But that's just 2019 anywhere. And street legal in 2 days.

[TBideon]

I've been in Chicago for almost 9 years. In my mind there has been an escalation of homeless people sleeping on the trains, and of hoodrats, either in group or individually, being aggressive/menacing and looking to harm people in trains or the stations.

Of course I'm just going on my impression, that there have been noticeable safety and sanitary declines from 2011 to 2019. No evidence at all to support it. It's just anecdotal.

And I think we would all agree that these trains and stations need some form of more visible security. I can't imagine even the most diehard booster would disagree.