From Chicago Sun-Times · · 2m
City Council opposes Amtrak rail yard move
Chicago City Council rejects Amtrak's Bridgeport rail yard plan after public backlash.
In brief
Chicago City Council rejects Amtrak's Bridgeport rail yard plan after public backlash. Chicago City Council voted to oppose Amtrak's proposed Bridgeport rail yard, demanding the company release its environmental review before proceeding with the White Sox stadium project. Originally reported by Chicago Sun-Times.
City Council grills Amtrak
Chicago City Council members grilled Amtrak and White Sox minority owner Justin Ishbia over proposed Bridgeport rail yard construction.
“City Council took up the fight of Bridgeport residents angry about Amtrak’s plan to relocate its South Loop rail yard near their homes and replace it with a White Sox stadium.”
Council passes opposition resolution
The Transportation Committee passed a resolution opposing Amtrak’s plan to build a new rail yard in Bridgeport and called for a follow-up hearing.
“The group then passed a resolution opposing Amtrak’s plan, and called on the rail company to return at a later date for another hearing.”
Residents oppose rail yard
Bridgeport residents oppose Amtrak’s 24/7 rail yard due to noise and health concerns near thousands of homes.
“The coalition says it is concerned with the noise and health effects from a 24/7 train facility next door to thousands of people’s home.”
Amtrak’s justification
Amtrak claims it needs a new rail facility in Chicago to keep trains up to date and minimize delays.
“Amtrak says it needs a new rail facility in Chicago, its national hub, to keep its trains up to date and minimize delays.”
Ishbia’s stadium plan
White Sox minority owner Justin Ishbia plans to build a new stadium at the current Amtrak South Loop rail yard site.
“Early last month, Ishbia’s company said it planned a new Sox stadium at the South Loop rail yard site.”
Amtrak’s site choice
Amtrak chose Bridgeport over 14th Street for its new rail yard because it was historically a rail yard, close to Union Station, and available for purchase.
“Amtrak chose the Canal Street site because it was historically a rail yard, close to Union Station, similar in size to the existing yard, and was available for purchase.”
Environmental concerns
The coalition wants Amtrak to release its own environmental review, as the federal government exempted Amtrak from a full study to fast track construction.
“The coalition wants Amtrak to release its own environmental review. The federal government exempted Amtrak from doing a full environmental study to fast track construction.”
Public backlash
Most attendees at the meeting opposed Amtrak’s plan, booing public speakers who supported the project and its potential for 3,000 construction jobs.
“City Council’s gallery was nearly filled with opponents of Amtrak’s plan. They booed the few public speakers, including representatives for labor unions, who say they approve of Amtrak’s plan, which could bring 3,000 construction jobs and 400 more jobs if the facility opens.”
Amtrak’s timeline
Amtrak plans to relocate its rail yard’s car wash, train storage, and train shed, with construction starting next year.
“The rail company also plans to relocate the yard’s 'car wash' for trains, as well as its train storage and train shed. Construction would include updating aging viaducts under the rail yard. Work could begin next year.”
Council demands environmental review
Ald. Nicole Lee pressed Amtrak to release its environmental review, which requires U.S. Department of Transportation approval.
“In the meeting, Lee pressed Amtrak to release its own environmental review included in the original grant application. Segerlin said any release would require approval from the U.S. Department of Transportation, which owns Amtrak.”
Ishbia’s absence
Ald. Scott Waguespack criticized White Sox minority owner Justin Ishbia for not attending the hearing himself.
“Ald. Scott Waguespack (32nd) called out Ishbia for not showing up himself.”
Public criticism
Ald. Jeylu Gutierrez criticized Amtrak for making decisions behind closed doors without community input.
“Decisions were made behind closed doors without community input.”
Here's the gist
Chicago City Council voted to oppose Amtrak's proposed Bridgeport rail yard, demanding the company release its environmental review before proceeding with the White Sox stadium project.
