Residents Protest Proposed Amtrak Facility and White Sox Relocation

Community Concerns Rise Over Amtrak Facility

On Tuesday morning, hundreds of residents from Bridgeport, Chinatown, and Armour Square gathered at Rate Field. They protested against plans by Amtrak and billionaire Justin Ishbia to establish a large railroad maintenance facility nearby. This potential move might also lead to the relocation of the White Sox from their longtime South Side home.

Alderman Nicole Lee, representing the 11th district, expressed the community’s surprise and displeasure at the proposal announced in August. She emphasized that the community doesn’t want to lose the White Sox or see the railroad move into Bridgeport.

The community feels disrespected. If approved, the project would be detrimental to this community.

The proposed $900 million Amtrak project would potentially allow Ishbia, who owns a minority share of the White Sox, to create a new riverfront stadium at 14th Street. Residents fear it will lead to pollution from Amtrak trains.

Amtrak did not respond to requests for comment.

Broad Opposition from Community Leaders

Alderman Lee was joined by activists and politicians, including Cook County Commissioner John Daley and several mayoral contenders, who opposed Amtrak’s plan.

Theresa Mah, a state representative, stated their strong disapproval.

We express our vehement opposition.

U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley and others, including Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza, called for a complete environmental review. Quigley acknowledged Amtrak’s need for a modern facility but criticized their location choice.

Amtrak plans a four-story maintenance facility north of 35th Street on property currently used by Union Pacific. Mendoza stressed the need for transparency during decision-making.

In 2024, Jerry Reinsdorf proposed moving the White Sox to a new stadium in the South Loop. That plan collapsed due to demands for public funding and strong opposition.

Ishbia’s Ambitious Proposal

On Saturday, Ishbia unveiled his proposal called The Railyards. Renderings show a new White Sox ballpark on Amtrak’s current site near the Chicago River. The development includes a mixed-use campus, primarily focused on healthcare. Northwestern Medicine is among the potential occupants.

Ishbia purchased a minority stake in the White Sox five years ago. He can buy a controlling interest in the team after 2034 from Jerry Reinsdorf. The team’s lease at Rate Field expires in 2029.

Ishbia plans to finance the new stadium privately. He is significantly involved in Amtrak’s Bridgeport plan. Canal Edge, his firm, will develop the site, and Ishbia commits $125 million to the new facility.

The White Sox ownership clarified their position.

The team was unaware of Amtrak’s plans before the public announcement.

The proposal is not finalized, and Ishbia agreed to study the site’s feasibility. His findings will be considered alongside The 78 and other options.

Mayor Johnson’s Neutral Approach

Mayor Brandon Johnson adopted a neutral stance on Ishbia’s proposal. He noted that the plan remains conceptual without official decisions.

Community voices must be prioritized in economic development.

While avoiding a direct stance, Johnson framed Ishbia’s proposal as an indicator of business growth confidence in Chicago.

He assured adherence to regulations if plans proceed.

The process will follow local, state, and federal regulations.

Amtrak announced receiving almost $700 million in federal funds for the Union Pacific site acquisition, new facility development, and infrastructure improvement.

Environmental Concerns and Political Challenges

Amtrak President Byl Herrmann emphasized the importance of modern facilities for timely service.

Investments will accelerate goals for efficient rail service.

Amtrak learned from the Trump administration they are exempt from a federal environmental review.

Alderman Lee sees this exemption as concerning but questions city officials’ power against Amtrak’s plan.

With this exemption, the railroad may bypass city zoning.

Alderman Pat Dowell criticized Amtrak for failing to engage with city officials and nearby communities like Wentworth Gardens.

It appears driven by Washington, D.C., not Chicago.