Board chair Leslie Darling told residents gathered at Rate Field that the authority, which owns the ballpark and its surrounding lots, is still trying to learn the details of Amtrak’s plan and has scheduled a meeting with the railroad to obtain more information.
Amtrak intends to construct a 24‑hour maintenance hub at the Canal Street Yard, immediately west of the stadium. The project would stretch from Cermak Road to 38th Street and extend west to Canal Street, using portions of White Sox parking Lots C and G, according to plans shown to local officials.
The railroad says the $900 million facility will modernize its Chicago maintenance operations. The Canal Street Yard previously handled freight and intermodal traffic until 2019, and Amtrak points to a “railroad‑owned easement” in Lot G that would permit construction on Illinois Sports Facilities Authority property, promising to coordinate with all stakeholders.
If built, the facility could disrupt parking and fan access to Rate Field as early as next season. The White Sox lease on the ballpark runs through 2029 with a one‑year extension option for 2030, while minority owner Justin Ishbia’s Canal Edge LLC is promoting a mixed‑use “The Railyards” development that would include a new riverfront stadium in Chicago’s South Loop.
Alderman Nicole Lee, whose 11th Ward includes Rate Field, criticized the lack of early involvement, calling the project a “$900 million industrial facility” that would alter Shields Avenue, 33rd Street and fan access. Cook County Commissioner John Daley echoed those concerns, urging the authority to formally oppose the project over air‑quality, noise, traffic, safety and quality‑of‑life impacts.
Amtrak has received a federal exemption from conducting an environmental impact study for the project, a point noted by officials during the meeting.
Local residents voiced mixed feelings. Bridgeport resident Debbie Bertucci suggested the area could be revitalized like Wrigleyville if development proceeds responsibly, while former Amtrak employee Deborah Ahrens warned of increased noise, traffic, pests and security risks. Neighbor Barry Antoniazzi called the proposed facility “the worst next‑door neighbor anybody could imagine.”
The board took no action on the White Sox’s future or the Amtrak proposal during the meeting. Darling noted the authority lacks the power to halt the railroad’s plan but urged greater transparency. Amtrak said it will release detailed parking, traffic and construction arrangements after completing coordination with the authority and the White Sox, and it will hold a community meeting Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at 2121 S. Union Ave.
The Wednesday meeting was the authority’s first since May and its first after Amtrak unveiled the maintenance‑facility plans and Ishbia released new renderings for the proposed South Loop stadium.