CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) - Construction was expected to start today on a migrant base camp in Brighton Park, but Mayor Johnson’s administration says it will have environmental information about the site later in the week.
The mayor’s office says the city is at a critical point in moving migrants out of police stations and other temporary sites as winter approaches.
Mitigation strategies and testing the environment at the site near 38th and California are expected to be completed by the end of the week, weather permitting, the administration says.
The mayor’s office adds that they’re confident the property near 38th and California “will be suited for the purpose for which it will be used”. That was in response to questions about construction on the tent camp starting, as Alderwoman Julia Ramirez said she was told it would today. That’s over objections from her and local residents, citing in part toxic metals in the ground.
Meanwhile, the Chicago Tribune reports the Pritzker administration solicited bids for temporary housing of migrants back in May and eventually signed a contract with GardaWorld in July.
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