(WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Chicago alderpersons have given preliminary approval to paying $1.5 million to the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District for a building to house migrants – and hopefully, later, for community activities.
The City Council Housing Committee voted to purchase the nearly 11-acre North Park property, which had been used as a U.S. Marine training facility. Lori Ann Lypson, deputy mayor for infrastructure, said the site seems ideally suited for sheltering people.
Ald. Samantha Nugent, 39th, supported the transaction but said she hopes the property one day will be used for recreation and education. In a similar vein, 29th Ward Ald. Jeanette Taylor wanted to know if it's a good deal for the neighborhood.
“How will this building be used for the community afterward?” Taylor asked.
Michelle Woods, deputy commissioner of assets, infrastructure and services, said, “long-term development is the ultimate goal” of the property.
Ald. David Moore, 17th, was the only “no” vote, questioning the source of the money and what he says is a lack of overall strategy. His effort to delay the project was overwhelmingly thwarted.
Initially, the North Park property would house 500 migrants.
The Housing Committee’s action comes as Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and Mayor Brandon Johnson have sent a letter to federal officials urging them to expedite work authorizations for the asylum-seekers coming here.
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