# Bridgeport and Chinatown Residents Push Amtrak to Stop Rail Yard Plan

> Residents demand Amtrak halt rail yard project near Chinatown and Bridgeport amid safety and environmental concerns
- Title: Bridgeport and Chinatown Residents Push Amtrak to Stop Rail…
- Summary: Residents demand Amtrak halt rail yard project near Chinatown and Bridgeport amid safety and environmental concerns Residents oppose Amtrak's rail yard…
- Keywords: bridgeport, chinatown, amtrak, railyards, seattle, nfl, chicago, canal edge llc, white sox, safety, environment, news
- Source: Chicago Sun-Times — https://chicago.suntimes.com/la-voz/2026/09/18/vecinos-de-bridgeport-y-chinatown-presionan-a-amtrak-para-que-frene-plan-para-una-yarda-de-ferrocarril
- Published: 2026-09-18T17:46:03.598+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: bridgeport, chinatown, amtrak, railyards, seattle, nfl, chicago, canal edge llc, white sox, safety, environment, news
## Residents protest rail yard plan
Hundreds of residents in Chinatown and Bridgeport confronted Amtrak officials demanding answers about safety and environmental impacts of the proposed rail yard.

> Nos estamos tratando como si fuéramos idiotas. No somos idiotas
## Amtrak's rail yard proposal
Amtrak plans to build a maintenance facility in Chinatown, Bridgeport, and Armour Square, displacing current operations from 14th Street.
## Project funding and approvals
The project has received $600 million and a federal exemption to skip environmental reviews, aiming to accelerate construction.
## Community safety concerns
Over 6,000 residents live within 500 feet of the proposed site, compared to 29 people near the current Amtrak facility.
## Amtrak's response
Amtrak claims the new facility will modernize maintenance practices, reduce delays, and improve cleanliness and storage.
## Local officials oppose project
Cook County Commissioner John Daley and Councilwoman Nicole Lee criticized Amtrak for not consulting community leaders before addressing residents.
## Employment promises
Amtrak claims the project will create 3,000 construction jobs and 400 permanent jobs at the facility.
## Community distrust
Residents accuse Amtrak of disrespecting the community and providing information too late, with concerns about children and elderly living nearby.
## Environmental impact debate
Residents question Amtrak's environmental studies, citing noise, safety, and health risks from the proposed rail yard.
## Amtrak's leadership
Steven Segerlin, Amtrak's commercial development director, leads the project and claims the facility will address current maintenance challenges.
## Project timeline
Amtrak plans to move the facility to Chinatown, Bridgeport, and Armour Square by late 2026, with construction starting soon.
## Community-led opposition
Residents organized with signs like 'Protect our community, stop Amtrak's rail yard' to oppose the project.
## White Sox connection
Canal Edge LLC, owned by Justin Ishbia, a minority owner of the Chicago White Sox, is behind the project.
## Key takeaway

Residents oppose Amtrak's rail yard expansion in Chinatown and Bridgeport due to safety risks and environmental impacts