Obama neighbors deal with extra security

CHICAGO, Nov. 7 (UPI) -- Residents of Hyde Park in Chicago say they are getting used to the high security and publicity that comes from having a U.S. president-elect in their midst.

Stanley Brookins, who delivers mail to neighborhood residents, including Barack and Michelle Obama, told the Chicago Tribune that it was a "shock" Thursday when a network TV crew followed him on his rounds. He was able to shake them at the security barrier on East Hyde Park Boulevard, six blocks away from the Obama home.

Hyde Park, near the University of Chicago campus, is a diverse neighborhood of working class families, graduate students, professors and professionals.

The neighborhood has had a gradual introduction to security measures as Obama advanced from being one of many Democratic candidates to becoming the party's nominee and now to president-elect. Hyde Parkers like Gus Sellis, owner of the landmark cafeteria restaurant, Valois, realize they will also be seeing less of their famous neighbor.

"Obama, he used to come here," Sellis said. "But now, he's busy."