It’s been a bumpy ride for residents living near the United Center.

Ald. Walter Burnett (27th Ward) shared that the neighborhood is no stranger to parking restrictions, especially during game days and events, but said the city’s planning for the DNC has had a lot of moving parts.

“I’m excited just to be there and just to be in the moment,” Burnett said. “But I am concerned, just want to make sure that my home is straight.”

As the DNC kicks off, Burnett said there have been some frustrations with unwarranted parking restrictions leading up to the convention — but he has worked to address them.

“We know they want everybody to be safe,” Burnett said. “We worked with the people who will have their parking restricted. We talked to them, we worked with them, we made accommodations.”

One of those residents is Jay Hunt who lives at the Henry Horner Annex next to the United Center. The building is within the pedestrian-restricted perimeter. Hunt said that as a local for more than 30 years, he is used to road closures and traffic jams — but is glad the complex has a convenient parking location.

Despite concerns over limited access points, parking and traffic, longtime resident Sandra Green said the convention is an opportunity for locals to experience a moment in history.

“We need something like this so the kids can see things,” Green said. “It’s important for the kids to understand how important voting is.”

Less than a mile away at Rush University Medical Center, doctors and staff are working to prepare for any situations that might arise. Interim Chief of Operations Shonda Morrow said the hospital has offered outpatients virtual options to avoid traveling to the area.

“We are right in the backyard of the United Center,” Morrow said. “We are clearly aware that we are going to be impacted, mainly from the perspective of traffic. … We are feeling confident, for sure, but also recognizing we may have to adjust.”

Those participating in protests are top of mind for the hospital and Burnett.

“We just want to say to all the protesters that’s coming: We appreciate your right to express yourselves, your right to stand up for what you believe in,” Burnett said. “Just don’t mess up our community. You know, don’t hurt us.”