The Chicago Fire plan to break ground on a privately financed stadium in coming days, but concerned community leaders spoke out during a news conference Monday.
The stadium is planned for a location in the South Loop known as ‘The 78,’ which is positioned next to the Chicago River.
The development is bounded by Roosevelt Road on the north end, 16th Street on the south end, Clark Street on the east and the river on the west.
On Monday, a group of concerned residents spoke out about the stadium, arguing that more community input is needed before the project proceeds.
“Members of this coalition were not invited to the groundbreaking. They certainly heard from us about the importance of including community voices,” said Grace Chan McKibben, Executive Director of Coalition for a Better Chinese-American Community.
Activists say the project has plenty of appeal to developers, but community members have felt their concerns haven’t been listened to.
“It’s for rich people. It’s a playground for developers, for the soccer team to bring up their yachts and come see a soccer game,” said Sarah Tang, Director for Programs for Coalition for a Better Chinese American Community.
Community leaders are demanding a Community Benefits Agreement from the Fire and city officials before construction gets underway.
“This Community Benefits Agreement will include housing, jobs, transportation, which is important to all the communities,” said Chan McKibben. “Not just Chinatown, all the surrounding communities including Bronzeville, Pilsen, and more.”
The Chicago Fire have said they will privately finance their new $650 million stadium, but community leaders still want the team to help improve the surrounding community.
“The fact that they are spending $650 million on a stadium at The 78 means that they can advocate and help fund public housing at this site,” said Etta Davis, Vice President of Dearborn Homes LAC.
“New development should prioritize families that are already living in the communities instead of pushing them out,” added Consuela Hendricks, Co-President of People Matter.
Chicago Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez of the 25th Ward also spoke at Monday’s news conference about $700 million in TIF tax money allocated for “The 78.”
“Out of those $700 million, what we know today is that not all have been allocated, and we demand an answer because of the $700 million that could be used for affordable housing and other needs,” he said.
The community leaders also raised concerns about public transit access to the site of the stadium, arguing the team hasn’t adequately prepared for that accessibility.
“As the plan stands today, there will be zero changes to the existing public transportation infrastructure. No new bus, no added service, no El-stop,” Tang said.
Community members want a new CTA rail station south of the stadium, which is planned to hold 22,000 fans for games and even more for concerts.
“Not only would a Chinatown South Loop Orange Line station help alleviate these pressures, it would also create new connections from the South Loop to Midway Airport,” said Kate Eakin, Executive Director of McKinley Park Development Council.
The Chicago Fire plan to open their new stadium in 2028.
