Businesses along the Halsted Street commercial corridor in Homewood will be allowed to open on Thursday after three and a half days of precautionary curfew.
Village officials decided to close all businesses on Sunday, May 31, after receiving reports of looting in nearby communities, including Country Club Hills, Calumet City and Orland Park.
The violence emerged concurrent with protests throughout the region and the nation following the killing of an African American man, George Floyd, by a white Minneapolis police officer.
From Monday through Wednesday the curfew applied only to Halsted Street businesses because of the thoroughfare’s proximity to Interstate 80/294, making it more accessible as a “target of opportunity.”
Village officials stressed that there was no immediate danger in Homewood, but the curfew was implemented in order to protect the safety of customers and store employees.
The situation in the area has improved enough that businesses can safely reopen, according to Homewood Mayor Richard Hofeld. He said Homewood Police Chief Bill Alcott consults regularly with Department of Homeland Security officials to get updates on the situation.
Hofeld said some of the smaller, secondary entrances to business centers might remain closed, but main entrances would be open so customers can reach businesses.
