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The smokestack implosion that sent thick dust clouds onto Chicago homes Saturday — during a respiratory pandemic — left a lot of people scrambling, inc. the mayor & other reporters.
But I’ve followed what’s going on at the old Little Village coal plant for 2 years. THREAD
But I’ve followed what’s going on at the old Little Village coal plant for 2 years. THREAD
City officials sought to lay the blame for the massive dust cloud that descended on Little Village on a “dishonest” developer.
But the city had an active role in the demolition by approving permits & overseeing the work Saturday. https://blockclubchicago.org/2020/04/11/old-crawford-coal-plant-smokestack-blown-up-sending-dust-into-little-village-during-global-pandemic/
But the city had an active role in the demolition by approving permits & overseeing the work Saturday. https://blockclubchicago.org/2020/04/11/old-crawford-coal-plant-smokestack-blown-up-sending-dust-into-little-village-during-global-pandemic/
2 yrs ago, developer Hilco unveiled a plan to turn the old Crawford Coal Plant into a massive distribution center in majority Latino Little Village.
It’s a plan many residents oppose. I’ve documented @LVEJO’s fight to protect neighbors’ health since then https://blockclubchicago.org/2018/08/15/semi-trucks-are-taking-over-little-village-neighbors-say-and-giant-warehouse-plan-will-make-it-worse/?mc_cid=c3216610bc&mc_eid=6f3063ce9a
It’s a plan many residents oppose. I’ve documented @LVEJO’s fight to protect neighbors’ health since then https://blockclubchicago.org/2018/08/15/semi-trucks-are-taking-over-little-village-neighbors-say-and-giant-warehouse-plan-will-make-it-worse/?mc_cid=c3216610bc&mc_eid=6f3063ce9a
But this story actually starts decades ago.
. @LVEJO & other groups, worried about the impact coal pollution was having on the health of Little Village residents, fought for 12 years and won their fight to shut down the century-old power plant in 2012. https://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-xpm-2012-08-30-chi-closure-of-chicagos-crawford-fisk-electric-plants-ends-coal-era-20120830-story.html
. @LVEJO & other groups, worried about the impact coal pollution was having on the health of Little Village residents, fought for 12 years and won their fight to shut down the century-old power plant in 2012. https://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-xpm-2012-08-30-chi-closure-of-chicagos-crawford-fisk-electric-plants-ends-coal-era-20120830-story.html
For months, neighbors fought to stop Hilco’s redevelopment plan, fearing the distribution center would bring more diesel trucks and increase pollution in Little Village. https://blockclubchicago.org/2018/08/15/semi-trucks-are-taking-over-little-village-neighbors-say-and-giant-warehouse-plan-will-make-it-worse/
In March 2019, the redevelopment plan was approved anyway by City Council — with a $19.7 million tax break. https://blockclubchicago.org/2019/03/13/controversial-distribution-center-in-little-village-get-19-7-million-tax-break-approval-from-city-council/
But environmental groups continued their fight, asking for air quality monitoring during demolition. https://blockclubchicago.org/2019/08/05/epa-to-detail-clean-up-efforts-of-old-little-village-coal-plant-site-tuesday/
But a Chicago Department of Public Health official said the developer wouldn’t be required to test air quality.
"Kids & people w/ breathing problems” & ppl who “are sensitive to dust” should “limit outdoor activity” during the demolition, they advised. https://blockclubchicago.org/2019/08/07/city-tells-worried-little-village-residents-to-limit-outdoor-activities-as-crews-demolish-old-coal-power-plant/
"Kids & people w/ breathing problems” & ppl who “are sensitive to dust” should “limit outdoor activity” during the demolition, they advised. https://blockclubchicago.org/2019/08/07/city-tells-worried-little-village-residents-to-limit-outdoor-activities-as-crews-demolish-old-coal-power-plant/
The old Crawford demolition has not been without problems.
In fact, this is the 2nd time work has been stopped — the 1st time was because a worker died at the site.
And the developer was fined $10,000 after dust was seen blowing off the demo site. https://blockclubchicago.org/2020/01/06/demolition-of-crawford-coal-plant-suspended-after-worker-falls-to-his-death/
In fact, this is the 2nd time work has been stopped — the 1st time was because a worker died at the site.
And the developer was fined $10,000 after dust was seen blowing off the demo site. https://blockclubchicago.org/2020/01/06/demolition-of-crawford-coal-plant-suspended-after-worker-falls-to-his-death/
Neighbors received little notice the implosion was happening. And w/ a “bad track record,” according to Ald. Rodriguez, those who did know were worried.
Activists begged the city not to allow the demolition.
But the city said it was safe. https://blockclubchicago.org/2020/04/10/old-crawford-coal-plant-smokestack-will-be-blown-up-saturday-in-little-village/
Activists begged the city not to allow the demolition.
But the city said it was safe. https://blockclubchicago.org/2020/04/10/old-crawford-coal-plant-smokestack-will-be-blown-up-saturday-in-little-village/
Despite activists’ cries, the implosion proceeded anyway with Chicago officials from the Department of Health, Buildings and Fire Department on hand to watch. https://blockclubchicago.org/2020/04/12/extremely-angry-lightfoot-blames-developer-for-massive-little-village-dust-cloud-alderman-apologizes/
What happened Saturday was a nightmare realized for residents fighting for environmental justice.
I’ve shown up to countless meetings, poured through docs bc neighbors care deeply about what's happening in Little Village.
And I'm not stopping now. Photo: Alejandro Reyes
I’ve shown up to countless meetings, poured through docs bc neighbors care deeply about what's happening in Little Village.
And I'm not stopping now. Photo: Alejandro Reyes
