Chicago turns to its industrial-zoned land in Brighton Park to offer a temporal dwelling place for migrants, notwithstanding public concerns about the site's past as a polluter. A comprehensive environmental evaluation of the area at 38th and California is underway, per a Chicago Sun-Times article. This is taking place amidst locals demonstrating against the planned tent settlement.
The plan for the sizable 11-acre area involves building makeshift, winter-tolerant, military-grade tent accommodations for immigrants, according to CBS News. Crews are already in action for this, smoothing the terrain, getting rid of debris and installing light fixtures. The pollution record of the site is becoming a concern for dwellers of Brighton Park, with many fearing that residual toxicity from past industrial activities could be harmful.
The land with its history in the railroad industry was once host to a zinc smelter, notorious for its usage of heat and harsh chemicals to separate metals. An under-earth diesel fuel tank was also housed by the site, but only until 1986. The McKinley Park-based community group, Neighbors for Environmental Justice, has come forward to highlight these concerns, alluding to possible health risks for incoming migrants.
As the city continues to evaluate the site's history, it declares the area as possibly "workable" for the planned tent city. By way of an official statement, they've insured that the results of this audit will shape their sample plan and necessary precautions will be put in place afterward. Even the act to move soil from the place necessitates environmental testing, which, to the locals' worries, may add weight.
Urgent need for temporary housing for the incoming migrants seems to outbalance environmental worries, particularly with the dispute to house them during the city's severe winter. Citing numbers from a CBS News article, the city has received over 18,000 migrants since the past August, with 11,000+ living in temporary shelters across the city, and others residing in police stations or airports.
A piece of land around the 115th and Halsted vicinity is also being considered for another such migrant tent settlement. However, this spot is expected to become the Morgan Park Commons – featuring housing, retail shops, and a park – and, thus, has its own set of constraints.
