News organizations and local media are covering community opposition to Amtrak’s proposed 24/7 Midwest Maintenance Facility at the Canal Street Yard, including calls for Amtrak to abandon the Bridgeport location and move the facility to an appropriate nonresidential site.
Are you a reporter covering the proposed Amtrak facility?
Bridgeport residents are available for interviews. Contact: stopbridgeportrailyard@gmail.com.
The Chicago Sun-Times reports from the October 7 City Council hearing, where alderpeople sharply questioned representatives from Amtrak and Canal Edge about the proposed Canal Street maintenance facility. During the four-hour hearing, council members pressed Amtrak to release its environmental study and criticized the lack of public involvement before the project was announced. The Transportation Committee passed the resolution opposing the project and called for Amtrak to return for another hearing.
Read the Chicago Sun-Times story
CBS Chicago covered both the community opposition and the City Council hearing. The overwhelming majority of people who spoke at the hearing opposed the proposed facility, while labor representatives spoke in support of the project. Ald. Nicole Lee said the city is examining whether to challenge the categorical exclusion used for the project. The resolution now moves to the full City Council.
Read and watch the CBS Chicago report
WBBM Newsradio reports that residents from Bridgeport, Chinatown and surrounding South Side communities packed City Council chambers for the hearing. Alderpeople questioned Amtrak about environmental impacts, transparency and the connection between the proposed maintenance-facility move and redevelopment of the current South Loop property. The committee advanced the resolution opposing the move to the full City Council.
Newswire: Inside the Bridgeport vs. Amtrak controversy
City Bureau’s Newswire offers an overview of the proposed $900 million maintenance facility, the community opposition, the proposed use of White Sox parking areas and the connection between the Amtrak project and Justin Ishbia’s proposed Railyards development.
Ishbia gears up for South Loop Railyards plan with $15M purchase of nearby shopping center
On the same day as the City Council hearing, The Real Deal reported that Justin Ishbia’s Shore Capital Partners acquired The Maxwell shopping center at 1100 S. Canal Street for approximately $15 million. The property sits near the proposed Railyards development on Amtrak’s current South Loop site. The report describes the purchase as part of Shore Capital’s expanding real-estate position around the proposed development.
Read The Real Deal story via Yahoo Finance
Professors: Amtrak’s Proposed Rail Yard Would Add to the Area’s Already Sizable Environmental Burden
UIC professors Kate Lowe and AJ Kim examine the cumulative environmental and public-health burden surrounding the proposed Canal Street facility and argue that adding a major rail maintenance operation could further increase impacts on communities already affected by transportation infrastructure and pollution.
Read the Chicago Tribune commentary
Amtrak Rail Yard Belongs on Industrial Site
In a letter to the editor, Bridgeport resident Kathleen M. Hughes argues that Amtrak’s maintenance operations belong in an appropriate industrial location rather than beside thousands of residents. The letter points to the stark population difference between Amtrak’s existing and proposed locations, the facility’s fueling operations and the documented 2019 diesel spill at Amtrak’s current Chicago yard.
Read the Chicago Sun-Times letter
Mayoral Candidate John Kelly Vows to Use Lobbyist Clout to Block Amtrak Move to Bridgeport
The Chicago Sun-Times reports that mayoral candidate John Kelly publicly pledged to help stop Amtrak’s proposed move to Bridgeport. Kelly said he would use the relationships and political experience he has developed as a longtime lobbyist, while Ald. Nicole Lee emphasized the urgency of stopping the project before construction begins.
Read the Chicago Sun-Times story
Preckwinkle and Cook County Board, Most Aldermen Oppose Amtrak-Ishbia Plan
The Chicago Tribune reports that Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and all 17 county commissioners backed a resolution opposing the proposed Canal Street facility in its current form and location. The story also examines broad opposition in the Chicago City Council and organized labor’s support for the project.
Read the Chicago Tribune story
Amtrak Should Release Environmental Study, Sit for Hearing on Railyard Facility: Alders
Block Club Chicago reports on the Chicago City Council resolution calling on Amtrak to pause the proposed Bridgeport facility until environmental studies are released and a public hearing is held. The resolution drew support from a large majority of alderpeople and raises questions about the project’s environmental review, site selection and community impacts.
Read the Block Club Chicago story
Overflow Crowd Rejects Plan for Amtrak Maintenance Yard Near Rate Field: ‘Nasty Real Estate Deal’
The Chicago Tribune reports from Amtrak’s September 17 community meeting, where hundreds of residents from Bridgeport, Chinatown and Armour Square overwhelmingly rejected the proposed maintenance facility. Residents challenged Amtrak officials over pollution, noise, the project’s environmental review and the lack of meaningful community involvement.
Read the Chicago Tribune story
Amtrak Rail Yard Plan a ‘Nasty’ Deal for Bridgeport and Chinatown, Neighbors Say at Packed Meeting
Block Club Chicago reports from the packed September 17 community meeting, where residents pressed Amtrak officials about the proposed $900 million maintenance facility, environmental impacts and how the project advanced before most nearby residents knew about it.
Read the Block Club Chicago story
Rate Field’s Owners Blindsided by Plans to Build Amtrak Facility Nearby, Don’t Want Sox to Move
Block Club Chicago reports that the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority said it had been blindsided by Amtrak’s plans for a maintenance facility near Rate Field. The story examines ISFA’s concerns about the project, the potential departure of the White Sox and questions surrounding property near the proposed facility.
Read the Block Club Chicago story
What to Know About the Chicago White Sox Stadium Proposal
The Chicago Sun-Times provides an overview of the proposed South Loop White Sox stadium and its relationship to Amtrak’s planned relocation. The explainer examines the proposed stadium site, Canal Edge and Justin Ishbia’s role, the Bridgeport maintenance facility and growing community opposition.
Read the Chicago Sun-Times story
Residents and Elected Leaders Protest Proposal to Move the Chicago White Sox
The Chicago Tribune reports from the September 8 press conference outside Rate Field, where residents and elected officials opposed both the proposed Amtrak maintenance facility and the potential departure of the White Sox. The story highlights concerns about pollution, community impacts and the relationship between Amtrak’s relocation and redevelopment of its current South Loop property.
Read the Chicago Tribune story
The Chicago Report: Bridgeport Amtrak Facility Pushback
FOX 32’s The Chicago Report examines growing opposition to Amtrak’s proposed Bridgeport maintenance facility. Maria LaGiglio of the Armour Bridgeport Residents Coalition and Sarah Tang of the Coalition for a Better Chinese American Community discuss community concerns about locating the proposed 24/7 maintenance facility near Bridgeport, Chinatown and Armour Square.
Watch the FOX 32 Chicago report
What Bridgeport Residents Want You to Know About the Planned Amtrak Development
WBEZ’s In the Loop with Sasha-Ann Simons speaks with Bridgeport residents Maria LaGiglio and Jonathan Chen about Amtrak’s proposed maintenance facility, concerns about its potential impact on surrounding neighborhoods, and the community effort opposing the Canal Street location.
Read and listen to the WBEZ interview
Amtrak, Labor Leaders Seek to Address Residents’ Concerns Over South Side Railyard Proposal
WTTW reports on Amtrak and Chicago labor leaders making their case for the proposed $900 million maintenance facility following weeks of community opposition. The story covers Amtrak’s response to residents’ environmental and quality-of-life concerns, the project’s environmental review, and a Chicago City Council resolution calling for Amtrak to pause its plans until the full environmental studies are released.
Read the WTTW Chicago Tonight story
Amtrak Has Plans for ISFA, White Sox Parking Lots
Sox Machine reports that plans released by Amtrak show proposed access to the maintenance facility through Rate Field’s Lot G, which is owned by the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority. The story examines questions about Amtrak’s plans for the property, ISFA’s role, and communications involving ISFA and Justin Ishbia.
Week in Review: Dueling Renters’ Rights Proposals; Amtrak’s Plans for Bridgeport
WTTW’s Chicago Tonight: Week in Review discusses the September 17 Amtrak community meeting, where South Side residents packed the venue and strongly opposed the proposed maintenance facility in Bridgeport.
Watch the WTTW Chicago Tonight discussion
South Side Residents Voice Opposition to Proposed Amtrak Maintenance Facility at Public Meeting
ABC7 Chicago reports from Amtrak’s September 17 community meeting, where residents packed a larger venue in Pilsen to oppose the proposed Midwest Maintenance Facility. The report covers residents’ concerns about the facility’s effects on nearby neighborhoods and their questions about how the project advanced.
Read and watch the ABC7 Chicago report
Bridgeport and Chinatown Residents Press Amtrak Leaders to ‘Pump the Brakes’ on Rail Yard Plan
The Chicago Sun-Times reports from the September 17 community meeting, where hundreds of residents from Bridgeport, Chinatown and Armour Square confronted Amtrak officials and developers over the proposed maintenance facility and raised concerns about safety, quality of life and environmental impacts.
Read the Chicago Sun-Times story
Fired Up Bridgeport Residents Confront Amtrak Officials About Controversial Maintenance Facility Plan
CBS Chicago reports from the September 17 community meeting, where the overwhelming majority of residents who spoke opposed Amtrak’s proposed 24/7 maintenance facility. The story covers residents’ concerns and Amtrak’s explanations for selecting the Canal Street Yard.
Read and watch the CBS Chicago report
Amtrak South Side Maintenance Facility Draws Backlash From Residents
FOX 32 Chicago reports on Bridgeport, Chinatown and Armour Square residents confronting Amtrak officials at the September 17 community meeting. The report covers the proposed facility, Amtrak’s plans to use federal exemptions, and residents’ determination to continue fighting the project.
Read and watch the FOX 32 Chicago report
Rate Field Owners Say ‘Main Priority’ Is Keeping White Sox From Moving, as Bridgeport Residents Air Concerns
The Chicago Sun-Times reports on the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority’s response to the proposed Amtrak facility and potential White Sox move. ISFA Chair Leslie Darling said the board had not met with Amtrak about the maintenance facility and said the authority’s priority is keeping the White Sox at Rate Field.
Read the Chicago Sun-Times story
Bridgeport Residents Air Concerns About Amtrak Facility, Possible White Sox Move
NBC 5 Chicago reporter Vi Nguyen covers Bridgeport residents bringing their concerns about Amtrak’s proposed maintenance facility directly to the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority. Bridgeport resident Maria LaGiglio urged ISFA, which owns Rate Field, not to sell, lease, transfer, or provide Amtrak access to public property under its control. Ald. Nicole Lee said she is working with the City of Chicago to determine where Amtrak’s claimed federal preemption ends and the city’s home-rule authority begins.
Read and watch the NBC 5 Chicago report
Bridgeport Residents Urge State Stadium Authority to Oppose Proposed Amtrak Facility Near Rate Field
ABC7 Chicago reports on residents appearing before the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority to oppose the proposed maintenance facility and urge the agency not to allow public property under its control to be used for the project. The report also highlights the stark population difference between Amtrak’s current and proposed locations.
Read and watch the ABC7 Chicago report
South Side Residents Raise Concerns Over Amtrak’s New Railyard Proposal
WTTW’s Chicago Tonight examines opposition to Amtrak’s proposed 24/7 maintenance facility in Bridgeport. Maria LaGiglio, co-founder of the Armour Bridgeport Residents Coalition, discusses the lack of meaningful community input, while Ald. Nicole Lee discusses the potential long-term consequences for the neighborhood. The report also examines questions surrounding the Federal Railroad Administration’s categorical exclusion for the project.
Read and watch the WTTW Chicago Tonight report
Amtrak Plans to Use Federal Exemptions in Building Maintenance Facility Next to Rate Field
Sox Machine reports on a letter from Amtrak to the City of Chicago outlining Amtrak’s position that the project is exempt from state and local zoning and certain city development approvals. The story also examines questions involving public streets and Rate Field parking lots.
Alexi Giannoulias Weighs In on Bridgeport Amtrak Controversy
CBS Chicago reports on Alexi Giannoulias’s response to the proposed Amtrak maintenance facility in Bridgeport. Giannoulias called for greater transparency and answers for residents but stopped short of joining elected officials who have called for the project to be stopped.
White Sox ‘Completely Unaware’ of Amtrak Plans for Bridgeport Facility
NBC 5 Chicago political reporter Mary Ann Ahern reports on the growing opposition to Amtrak’s proposed Bridgeport maintenance facility following a September 8 press conference with residents and elected officials. The White Sox told NBC 5 the team was “completely unaware” of the extent of Amtrak’s plans for the Bridgeport facility.
Bridgeport Residents, Lawmakers Oppose Amtrak Facility Near Rate Field
ABC7 Chicago reports on growing political and community opposition to Amtrak’s proposed Bridgeport maintenance facility. The story examines concerns about Amtrak’s federal preemption authority and reports that efforts are underway to persuade Amtrak to consider other nonresidential locations.
Read and watch the ABC7 Chicago story
Plan to Move Sox Out of Bridgeport and Amtrak In Panned by Elected Officials, Neighborhood Residents
The Chicago Sun-Times and WBEZ report from the September 8 press conference, where more than 100 residents and elected officials spoke out against the prospect of the White Sox leaving Bridgeport while Amtrak relocates its 24/7 maintenance operations into the neighborhood. The story highlights opposition to the Canal Street location and the connection between Amtrak’s proposed relocation and redevelopment of its current South Loop property.
Read the Chicago Sun-Times/WBEZ story
Amtrak’s Bridgeport Plan a ‘Knife Through the Heart’ of Neighborhood, Residents Say
Block Club Chicago reports from the September 8 press conference, where Bridgeport residents and elected officials called for Amtrak to reconsider its proposed maintenance facility. The story highlights concerns from families living immediately beside the proposed site and the growing coalition opposing the project.
Read the Block Club Chicago story
Bridgeport, South Loop Residents Lambaste Plan for New White Sox Stadium
CBS Chicago reports on residents and elected officials speaking out following the unveiling of plans for a new White Sox stadium at “The Railyards.” The story connects the proposed stadium development to Amtrak’s planned relocation to Bridgeport and includes Ald. Nicole Lee’s criticism of the plans and their potential impact on the community.
Plans for South Loop White Sox Stadium Spark Backlash Among Bridgeport Residents
WBBM Newsradio reports from the September 8 press conference outside Rate Field, where residents, community leaders and elected officials spoke out against the proposed Amtrak facility and plans that could move the White Sox out of Bridgeport. The story highlights concerns about locomotive idling, pollution and other environmental impacts.
Read and listen to the WBBM Newsradio story
White Sox Stadium Plan Sparks Backlash in Bridgeport
Axios Chicago reports on the backlash in Bridgeport following the unveiling of plans for a new White Sox stadium at “The Railyards.” The story connects the stadium proposal to Amtrak’s planned relocation and highlights warnings from Ald. Nicole Lee and Cook County Commissioner John Daley about what the two projects could mean for Bridgeport.
White Sox Stadium Plans Spark Excitement, Pushback in Chicago
FOX 32 Chicago reports on the proposed South Loop White Sox stadium and the backlash from Bridgeport, where residents are opposing Amtrak’s proposed 24/7 maintenance facility and raising concerns about what the two projects could mean for the neighborhood.
Watch the FOX 32 Chicago report
Ald. Nicole Lee Blasts White Sox Move as a Betrayal of the Community
Chicago Chinese Times reports on opposition from Ald. Nicole Lee, Cook County Commissioner John Daley, and community residents to the proposed White Sox move and Amtrak facility. The Chinese-language story highlights concerns about the environmental and economic effects on Bridgeport and Chinatown and the community’s growing resistance to the plans.
Read the Chicago Chinese Times story
New Sox Park? Future Owner Justin Ishbia Announces Proposal for Riverside Stadium at ‘The Railyards’
The Chicago Sun-Times reports on Canal Edge’s newly unveiled plans for “The Railyards,” a proposed mixed-use development and new White Sox stadium on Amtrak’s current South Loop property. The story also discusses the proposed relocation of Amtrak’s maintenance operations to Bridgeport and Canal Edge’s role in financing and delivering the new maintenance facility.
Read the Chicago Sun-Times story
Justin Ishbia Unveils His Plan for a New White Sox Ballpark on Railyards Site Along Chicago River
The Chicago Tribune reports on the newly released vision for “The Railyards,” including renderings of a proposed White Sox stadium on the South Loop property currently occupied by Amtrak. The proposal provides new detail about the redevelopment envisioned for the site Amtrak plans to leave as it seeks to relocate its maintenance operations to Bridgeport.
Read the Chicago Tribune story
Renderings Revealed for Potential White Sox Stadium Along the River in South Loop
CBS Chicago reports on Canal Edge’s newly released renderings for “The Railyards,” a proposed mixed-use development that could include a new White Sox stadium on the 47-acre South Loop Amtrak property. CBS notes that Canal Edge has the property under contract and places the proposal in the context of Amtrak’s planned relocation.
Justin Ishbia’s Canal Edge Unveils a New White Sox Ballpark: The Railyards
South Side Sox examines Canal Edge’s plans for “The Railyards” and the potential new White Sox ballpark, connecting the redevelopment to the proposed relocation of Amtrak’s existing rail operations and community opposition in Bridgeport.
Amtrak’s Planned Maintenance Facility Next to Rate Field Faces Local Resistance
Sox Machine reports on growing community opposition to Amtrak’s proposed Bridgeport maintenance facility, including the August 30 neighborhood rally and residents’ concerns about the project and public process. The story also examines Amtrak’s explanation for selecting the Canal Street Yard and provides details about alternative locations the railroad says it considered.
Registration may be required to read this story.
South Side Residents Push Back on Proposed Amtrak Maintenance Facility, Railroad Shares New Details
ABC7 Chicago reports on the September 2 community meeting and growing opposition from Bridgeport and Chinatown residents. The story also includes details from Amtrak about the proposed facility, including alternative sites considered, anticipated operations, environmental review, and measures Amtrak says would address noise and air pollution concerns.
Read and watch the ABC7 Chicago report
Bridgeport Is No Place for Amtrak Facility
The Chicago Contrarian calls for Amtrak’s proposed Bridgeport maintenance facility to be stopped, arguing that residents should not bear the environmental and quality-of-life costs of clearing Amtrak’s South Loop property for redevelopment. The commentary connects the relocation to potential plans for a new White Sox stadium.
Read the Chicago Contrarian commentary
Bridgeport, Chinatown Residents Oppose Proposed Amtrak Maintenance Facility
FOX 32 Chicago reports on the September 2 community meeting, where approximately 175 residents gathered to voice opposition to Amtrak’s proposed maintenance facility. The story highlights concerns about noise, traffic, pollution and property values, as well as opposition to the project from 11th Ward Ald. Nicole Lee and Cook County Commissioner John Daley.
Read and watch the FOX 32 Chicago report
Bridgeport and Chinatown Residents Protest Amtrak’s New Rail Yard Plan
WGN-TV reports on Bridgeport, Armour Square and Chinatown residents gathering September 2 to oppose Amtrak’s proposed Canal Street maintenance facility, including concerns about noise, air pollution, property values and the project’s potential impact on nearby families.
Bridgeport Faces Its Darkest Moment and Neighbors Are Not Giving Up
As Bridgeport faces the proposed Amtrak maintenance facility and the possible departure of the White Sox, residents are coming together to defend their neighborhood. The report features Bridgeport neighbors speaking at the August 30 community protest.
Read and watch the Neighborhood Journal report
One Mother Will Not Give Up
This Neighborhood Journal story follows Bridgeport residents organizing against Amtrak’s proposed maintenance facility and captures the determination of neighbors working to protect their homes, families and community.
Read the Neighborhood Journal story
Bridgeport and Armour Square Outraged Over Amtrak Maintenance Facility Plans
Residents of Bridgeport and Armour Square raise concerns about Amtrak’s proposed maintenance facility and its potential effects on quality of life and the character of their neighborhoods.
Read the Neighborhood Journal story
The Boys from Bridgeport
Former 11th Ward Ald. Jim Balcer and Gene Roy discuss Amtrak’s proposed maintenance facility at the Canal Street Yard, community opposition to the project, and concerns about what the facility could mean for Bridgeport and surrounding neighborhoods.
Listen to the WCPT 820 segment
Amtrak’s Proposal to Relocate Maintenance Facility to Bridgeport Met With Pushback
NBC 5 Chicago reports on opposition from Bridgeport residents, concerns about potential health and environmental impacts, and 11th Ward Ald. Nicole Lee’s opposition to the project.
Read and watch the NBC 5 Chicago report
Bridgeport Residents Push Back on Amtrak Plan for Chicago Maintenance Facility; Durbin and Duckworth Seek Answers
CBS Chicago reports on growing opposition from Bridgeport residents and the request from U.S. Sens. Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth for more information about the proposed facility and its potential impacts.
Bridgeport Residents Angry at Amtrak, Justin Ishbia
Sox Machine reports from the August 20 community meeting at the Armour Square Park Fieldhouse, where residents questioned Amtrak representatives about the proposed 24/7 facility and its potential effects on the neighborhood.
Amtrak’s Funding Boost Paves Way for White Sox Chairman-in-Waiting Justin Ishbia’s South Loop Vision
The Chicago Sun-Times reports on more than $600 million in federal funding for Amtrak projects in Chicago, including the proposed Midwest Maintenance Facility in Bridgeport, as well as plans for Amtrak’s current 47-acre South Loop property.
Read the Chicago Sun-Times story
Following Up: First Domino in Justin Ishbia’s South Loop Plan Tips
Sox Machine examines Amtrak’s federal funding announcement and the proposed relocation of its maintenance operations to the Canal Street Yard, placing the project in the broader context of plans for redevelopment of Amtrak’s current 14th Street property.
Duckworth, Durbin Ask FRA, Amtrak for Additional Information on Plans to Relocate Its 14th Street Maintenance Facility
The senators requested additional information from the Federal Railroad Administration and Amtrak after hearing concerns from Bridgeport residents and local elected officials. Their letter calls for greater transparency and communication about the proposed relocation.
Read the Duckworth-Durbin letter and announcement
Amtrak Receives Federal Grants for New Midwest Maintenance Facility and Improvements to Viaducts
Amtrak’s announcement describes the proposed Midwest Maintenance Facility, federal funding for the project, private financing and its anticipated construction schedule.
This website is maintained by Bridgeport residents opposed to locating Amtrak’s proposed 24/7 Midwest Maintenance Facility at the Canal Street Yard.
For information about the project, community concerns, or interviews with Bridgeport residents, please contact: stopbridgeportrailyard@gmail.com.