CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- The Chicago City Council is urging Mayor Lightfoot to release the full report on that coal plant smokestack demolition that sent a cloud of dust through Little Village in 2020, but her administration says it can not do that at this time.
22nd Ward Alderman Michael Rodriguez said the Administration owes his community answers answers about how demolition at the former Crawford Coal plant led to a thick choking cloud of dust blanketing Little Village.
The City Council agreed with Rodriguez easily passing a resolution urging the release of the full Inspector General’s report on the smokestack implosion and how it was approved. The measure passed without debate.
Alderman Michael Rodriguez, who sponsored the resolution, said there’s a lot the residents need to know.
"The fact is the city settled for $20,000 while initially charging fines of up to $68,000. Why did they settle," he questioned.
But the Law Department cites the Municipal Code of Chicago, which allows the release of full IG reports if there’s a death or a felony’s been committed and it’s in the public interest. Officials said the conditions have not been met. Rodriguez said other lawyers disagree.
Related
Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!