Amundsen Park closure delayed as city looks for alternate site for Chicago migrants
CHICAGO (WLS) -- Dozens of neighbors gathered at Amundsen Park in Galewood Tuesday night over confusion about whether the field house would be used as a migrant shelter.
A plan to use the fieldhouse as a shelter was put on hold Monday, but Tuesday night frustrated community members said park supervisors were told to turn their keys in, and youth athletes were asked to leave mid-practice.
Alderman Chris Taliaferro, who opposes the shelter plan, said Mayor Brandon Johnson told him there was a miscommunication.
"He told me that there was a misunderstanding and that he did instruct his entire staff that this process would be put on hold," Ald. Taliaferro said.
Earlier residents in the Galewood community were credited for keeping programs at Amundsen Park, for now.
"We want to say, 'Congratulations for winning a good fight,'" said Rev. Marshall Hatch with the Leaders Network.
The Leaders Network held its monthly meeting, and the topic was the migrant crisis. The organization of clergy and community leaders invited 29th Ward Alderman Chris Taliaferro, who is against shutting down services at Amundsen to residents.
"As of today, all plans to use Amundsen Park as a shelter have been put on hold, and I'm here today to say thank you to the community. Thank you for your voices," Taliaferro said.
SEE ALSO | Some Pilsen, Galewood residents frustrated over plans for migrant shelters in their neighborhoods
Resident Constance Melton is among those who gathered signatures to maintain Amundsen as is.
"I think the community realized, it was so many people that would be affected by using that park. Pay homage to all the people who sacrificed their time," Melton said.
Taliaferro said an industrial retail area north of the park is being inspected as a possible option to house migrants. In the meantime, the bigger issue remains with the ongoing influx of migrants and balancing resources as a sanctuary city.
Alderman Ray Lopez, who represents the 15th Ward, also addressed the Leaders Network.
"This crisis isn't ending. This crisis is not changing our goals. It has to be that we are not forgotten in the process either," Lopez said.
"This was determined to be a sanctuary city. What do the residents want now? That's a real question that needs to be on the ballot," said Rev. Ira Acree with the Leaders Network.
For some, a legacy of disinvestment in some neighborhoods is clashing with the emerging needs of new arrivals.
The search for housing solutions is ongoing, and the demand for community input in that solution has grown louder.
