Community Protests Amtrak’s Proposed Facility
Residents from Bridgeport, Chinatown, and Armour Square gathered at Rate Field to protest a planned railroad maintenance facility by Amtrak and billionaire Justin Ishbia. There is also concern about potentially relocating the White Sox from their home on the South Side. Ald. Nicole Lee, of the 11th ward, expressed surprise over the August announcement, stating the community does not want the White Sox to leave or for a railroad to move into Bridgeport.
“We’re obviously seriously alarmed, that yard is going to be right over your shoulder,” Lee told the crowd at 35th Street and Shields Avenue. “Our community feels pretty disrespected. If it’s approved, it would drive a knife through the heart of this community.”
Amtrak plans a $900 million investment that might lead to a new riverfront stadium for the White Sox. This project would bring pollution concerns for the area. Lee, joined by community activists and local politicians, voiced strong opposition to the plan. State Rep. Theresa Mah declared their strong opposition against Amtrak’s proposal.
Call for Environmental Review
U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley, a mayoral candidate, agreed that a new facility was necessary but opposed its location in Bridgeport. He, along with other politicians like Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza, insisted on a full environmental review. The plan involves a new, four-story maintenance facility along a railroad viaduct north of 35th Street, on property currently used by Union Pacific.
“The community deserves full transparency now, not after the decision has been made,” said Mendoza.
Ishbia’s Stadium Proposal
In 2024, Jerry Reinsdorf suggested relocating the White Sox, but his plan failed due to public subsidy requirements. Ishbia, who owns a minority stake in the team, revealed his proposal for a new stadium at The Railyards, near Chicago River. Renderings show a ballpark and mixed-use campus primarily occupied by Northwestern Medicine. Ishbia’s Canal Edge firm would develop the site, and he pledges $125 million towards the facility.
The White Sox were reportedly unaware of Amtrak’s broad plans. A spokesperson mentioned that Ishbia agreed to evaluate the site before presenting findings for consideration.
Official Responses and Concerns
Mayor Brandon Johnson maintained a neutral stance when questioned about Ishbia’s plan, referring to it as a concept. He emphasized that community voices should be prioritized in development discussions and mentioned no official decision is made yet.
Amtrak received nearly $700 million in federal funding to acquire the Union Pacific site and improve infrastructure. However, the company was exempted from a federal environmental review by the Trump administration. Lee labeled this exemption as concerning yet is unsure of the city’s power to halt the plan.
Ald. Pat Dowell, 3rd, commented on a lack of city involvement in the process, finding Amtrak’s approach more aligned with Washington, D.C. than Chicago.
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