Plans to Build Migrant Base Camp in Chicago Halted Due to Environmental Concerns
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has responded after the state halted plans to build a migrant base camp at a site in the city’s Brighton Park neighborhood citing “environmental concerns.” The decision came after an 800-page environmental assessment revealed levels of mercury, lead, arsenic, and other contaminants in the soil that exceeded environmental limits. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker’s administration temporarily halted construction at the site, located at 38th and California, to further review the assessment.
Despite the setback, Mayor Johnson stated that his “mission is still very much alive,” emphasizing the need to provide shelter to asylum seekers as winter approaches. The Illinois EPA cited “concerns related to insufficient soil sampling and remediation,” leading to the decision to not proceed with housing families on the site due to serious environmental concerns.
The state has now expedited efforts to launch a brick-and-mortar shelter in the Little Village neighborhood, which will have 200 beds available. The mayor acknowledged that alternate locations are being explored but did not specify any likely backup. Additionally, the state has requested a list of alternative sites from Chicago and will work with the Archdiocese of Chicago to explore more options for brick-and-mortar sites.
The 800-page environmental report revealed that contamination was found in the soil, leading to additional remediation efforts through December 8. The contaminated soil was removed and disposed of at a landfill, with gravel placed on top to mitigate any exposure. Questions have been raised about when the city knew about the contaminants, and there has been public concern over the handling of the situation.
According to reports, the city’s contractor showed up to explore and collect more samples where mercury had been detected, ultimately raising questions about the site’s cleanliness and safety.
The city has been under scrutiny over these issues, and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson declined to answer questions when NBC 5 Investigates asked him last Tuesday. The assessment is still ongoing with the full report expected to be provided by the end of the week.