A Chicago migrant shelter would open in Bridgeport at the proposal of Mayor Brandon Johnson – NBC Chicago

A number of residents of Chicago’s Bridgeport community raised objections to a proposal by Mayor Brandon Johnson to open a temporary migrant shelter nearby.

“He doesn’t know where to put them,” said resident Christopher Osinger. “Why would you put them in our neighborhood? Why don’t we go by your house?”

Others said the community has existing needs that are not yet met.

“All that money he gives them, we have been begging for years,” added another resident, Khalid Muhammad.

“We’ve lived here all our lives, there’s been a lot of bad things happening here,” said resident Michelle Gusich. “We don’t need this, we just don’t need it.”

The proposed shelter, located just steps from the guaranteed rate field, would be located in a building near Canal Street and Pershing Road in the city’s 11th Ward.

“Look where it is, it’s hidden in the back,” said Tommy Russell, president of the Canaryville Veterans Riders Association. “Why is that a good location? We don’t have facilities as they are.”

Ald. Nicole Lee, who represents the district, sent a letter to voters Friday, saying she was notified and met with the mayor earlier this week. In the letter, Lee explained that the city wants to move migrants staying at the Standard Club near the Dirksen Federal Building to her neighborhood before the city hosts the Democratic National Convention in August.

“This is just crazy, it doesn’t make sense,” Gusich said. ‘Keep them in the center. I don’t know, this isn’t our problem.”

The councilor made clear in the letter her opposition to the proposed plan, citing safety and location concerns and the lack of justification for the move.

“As our city grapples with this unprecedented influx of migrants, it is critical that we address the migrant crisis safely, responsibly and with full transparency,” the councilor said in part. “The well-being of our communities must be the top priority. As developments unfold, we will continue to keep you informed and advocate for the best interests of our community.”

The director of Chicago’s Department of Family and Support Services issued the following statement to NBC Chicago when asked about the proposed plan: ‘Department of Family and Support Services issued the following statement to NBC Chicago when asked about the proposed plan :

“Ald. Lee was notified in an effort to gather feedback and information regarding a potential temporary emergency shelter location. We will remain transparent and educate community stakeholders as we gather more information and determine next steps.”