(WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Construction is underway on the migrant camp in Brighton Park, and locals aren't happy.
"What a disaster. Just look at it -- a big disaster," Dr. Kim Tee, a medical professional, said Wednesday.
The once-empty lot at 38th and California has become a regular gathering space for residents, who have been protesting construction of the camp for months.
Longtime resident Ricardo Palacios Palacios said he's concerned about city resources being strained.
"God forbid something happens here. Have we got enough manpower, police to come in here? Fire stations? No, we don't," he said.
Residents say they also have several environmental concerns about the site, which was once used as a zinc smelter.
"Knowing there's a toxic substance, why do you want to put a human life in jeopardy five years down the road?" said Tee, who owns a medical clinic nearby. "You may encounter a mysterious illness, a carcinogenic, we don't know, because they don't review the report."
Mayor Brandon Johnson says an environmental report should be available by the end of the week for public inspection.
Residents say they will continue to raise their voices.
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