(WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Mayor Brandon Johnson is pushing back at reports that his administration has failed to take advantage of offers of free Archdiocese of Chicago buildings for use as migrant shelters.
The Chicago Sun-Times reported church officials has offered the city rent-free space in more than 60 churches, schools and other buildings listed for sale or lease but the city hasn't acted.
Johnson on Thursday said that's inaccurate in many respects.
He said the properties were not offered free initially and not indefinitely. He also said many of the proposed sites are unsuitable for use as shelters because they would need to be built out.
"There's a whole lot that goes into opening up a shelter – and I can tell you, I've become an expert at it," the mayor told reporters.
The mayor said the city is contracting to use one Archdiocese building, which is expected to go online soon. He expressed gratitude toward the Archdiocese and Cardinal Cupich for their partnership with the city.
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