BRIDGEPORT — At a regularly scheduled Illinois Sports Facilities Authority (ISFA) board meeting held at Rate Field on Wednesday, board chair Leslie Darling said the authority was blindsided by Amtrak’s plan to build a $900 million Midwest Maintenance Facility adjacent to the historic ballpark.
Amtrak proposal could affect parking and access
The railroad intends to construct a 24‑hour maintenance hub at the Canal Street Yard, stretching from Cermak Road to 38th Street and west to Canal Street. The plan would use portions of White Sox parking Lots C and G, potentially disrupting fan access and parking around the stadium beginning next season.
“We are learning about this as you are,” Darling told residents. “We are doing everything we can to learn more information and are working to set up a meeting with Amtrak so we can learn more as you all are learning as well.”
Amtrak says it will coordinate with stakeholders
An Amtrak spokesperson noted there is a “railroad‑owned easement” to a ramp in Lot G that would allow construction on ISFA property. The spokesperson added that Amtrak will coordinate the project with “the many stakeholders, of which ISFA is certainly one.” Specific parking, traffic and construction details will be released once coordination with ISFA and the White Sox is complete.
White Sox future remains uncertain
Minority owner Justin Ishbia, through his development firm Canal Edge LLC, is pursuing a separate riverfront stadium proposal called “The Railyards” in the South Loop. The White Sox lease for Rate Field runs through 2029 with a one‑year extension option for 2030. Darling emphasized the board’s “main priority is to keep the White Sox right here in our community,” noting the team’s 100‑year presence in Bridgeport.
Alderman Nicole Lee (11th Ward) argued the authority should have been involved from the start, calling the project a $900 million industrial facility that would sit on ISFA parking lots and disrupt Shields Avenue and 33rd Street. Cook County Commissioner John Daley echoed the concerns, urging the authority to oppose the railyard facility over air‑quality, noise, traffic, safety and quality‑of‑life issues. Daley also suggested the General Assembly renegotiate the lease to keep the White Sox in Bridgeport.
Community reactions
Local residents expressed mixed feelings. Debbie Bertucci asked whether the authority could bring more businesses and activity to the area, likening the vision to a “Wrigleyville” atmosphere. Former Amtrak employee Deborah Ahrens warned of increased noise, traffic, pests and security concerns. Neighbor Barry Antoniazzi called the proposed facility “the worst next‑door neighbor anybody could imagine.”
The ISFA board took no action on the White Sox’s future or the Amtrak project during the meeting. Darling clarified the authority lacks the power to halt Amtrak’s proposal but agreed the railroad should be more transparent.
Next steps
Amtrak plans to hold a community meeting about the maintenance facility on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at 2121 S. Union Ave. Residents are encouraged to attend to learn more about the project’s impact on parking, traffic and neighborhood character.
Original reporting: Block Club Chicago — read the source article.
