CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Second Ward Alderman Brian Hopkins says he's disappointed that Mayor Brandon Johnson's administration has cut a deal to have NASCAR roaring back into the downtown area next July.
He says he didn't know about the agreement for ''Year Two'' of NASCAR's Chicago Street Race until it was a done deal.
Hopkins' residents complained about closed streets and disruption and didn't want another weekend of NASCAR street racing in and around Grant Park. He was unhappy to learn a new deal had been reached without any input from him.
"It's very disappointing and I was sorry to hear it," he said. "I thought up until now this administration has not repeated the mistakes of the previous administration, but in this case unfortunately, they reverted."
Hopkins said he hopes it's a good deal, but he hasn't seen details.
Mayor Johnson did not say that city council members were in on negotiations, but suggests they were in the loop about the deal.
"We have spoken to all five of the alders who are impacted by NASCAR particularly because it exists within their wards," he said.
"Four of them understand and have made my administration clear that they appreciate the negotiations that have taken place."
Listen to our new podcast Looped In: Chicago
Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!
Sign up and follow WBBM Newsradio
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram