West Cook News

In a move that has ignited controversy and sparked sharp criticism from Republicans, the Democratic leadership in Chicago has displaced local seniors to accommodate housing for migrants at Amundsen Park on the city’s West Side.

Chicago GOP reported in a press release that a sign posted at the park entrance informs seniors that their recreational program has been relocated to a Senior Satellite Center on Congress Parkway, a distance of four miles through city streets, or three miles in a straight line.

Republican 29th Ward Committeeman, Walter Adamczyk, expressed outrage upon discovering the sign attached to the Amundsen Park field house’s entry door.

“Our seniors are getting shafted!” he declared. “How is this helping them? More citizens are getting deprived of services to make way for the Democrats’ favorites, the illegal aliens. It has to stop!”

Chicago Republican Chairman Steve Boulton also weighed in, linking the city’s actions to the ongoing immigration issues at the national level.

“Until the Democrats in Washington D.C. take decisive action to control that border, the loss to our city will not only continue, it will get worse,” he warned.

In response to the controversy, the Chicago GOP is demanding that the city, along with Alderman Chris Taliaferro, reverse the decision and return the senior program to Amundsen Park. The issue raises questions about the allocation of resources and priorities as the city seeks to address multiple challenges, including housing for migrants and ensuring services for its elderly population.

Amundsen Park was the site of an overflow crowd that met with local political leaders to push back against the plan to house illegal immigrants in a Chicago Park District gym there.

The controversial proposal to convert Chicago’s Amundsen Park into a migrant shelter sparked a heated community meeting with approximately 500 attendees, allowing residents to express their views on the potential use of the park.

Independent journalist Mark Weyermuller reported on the passionate discussions, shedding light on the divisive issue, as the community grapples with the implications of housing around 200 illegal immigrants in the park’s gym facilities.

The Illinois Freedom Caucus has expressed concern over Chicago’s ability to address its $500 million budget deficit while allocating funds for the resettlement of illegal immigrants in the city, Chicago City Wire reported.

Recent polling reveals that an overwhelming majority of Chicagoans prioritize assisting needy citizens over supporting sanctuary city policies, with deep divides emerging among voters regarding the city’s response to the migrant situation and how it affects residents in need.

Meanwhile, police stations have been housing hundreds of illegal immigrants due to shelters operating at full capacity, with concerns raised about the living conditions in these facilities, even as the Fire Department’s authority to intervene remains limited.

According to WTTW, some 1,600 illegal immigrants are currently camped out at Chicago’s police stations.

The Chicago Fire Department lacks jurisdiction to assess overcrowding and conditions at police stations in the city, as these facilities do not fall under their purview due to their distinct nature in comparison to venues with specific occupancy regulations.