8 hours ago, Falstaff said:

Sox Machine article today, looks like updates on meetings with ISFA and Amtrak.

Amtrak plans to use federal exemptions in building maintenance facility next to Rate Field - Sox Machine

For some reason, the Sox Machine article didn't fully load for me this morning. I didn't see this part earlier:

Amtrak, Canal Edge, and the City of Chicago recently met to discuss the Canal Street Yard project. This letter, obtained by Sox Machine, outlines Amtrak’s position that it’s not subject to state or local zoning, nor needing development approval from Chicago. This would include building permits, site plans, and design review. 

That said, Amtrak has expressed a desire to be a “good partner” with the city and to include it in the feedback process. This includes regular meetings with Amtrak and city departments regarding design and construction, seeking additional input regarding emergency access, fire protection, utilities such as sewer and water, and potential impacts to public streets during construction. 

In the letter, Amtrak states, “Consistent with the federal environmental determination and applicable federal requirements, Amtrak anticipates obtaining any governmental authorization expressly identified in the federal environmental process.” These would be distinct from what the city and the state may have. The lack of an environmental study shared with 11th Ward Ald. Nicole Lee has been a major sticking point and a key reason residents have been rallying against the Amtrak project. 

Although it only need federal approval for their plans, Amtrak states in the letter that it plans to share final designs with the public to provide information. Again, Amtrak outlines its position that it does not need approval from the city to proceed with the maintenance facility.

4 minutes ago, 77 Hitmen said:

For some reason, the Sox Machine article didn't fully load for me this morning. I didn't see this part earlier:

Amtrak, Canal Edge, and the City of Chicago recently met to discuss the Canal Street Yard project. This letter, obtained by Sox Machine, outlines Amtrak’s position that it’s not subject to state or local zoning, nor needing development approval from Chicago. This would include building permits, site plans, and design review. 

That said, Amtrak has expressed a desire to be a “good partner” with the city and to include it in the feedback process. This includes regular meetings with Amtrak and city departments regarding design and construction, seeking additional input regarding emergency access, fire protection, utilities such as sewer and water, and potential impacts to public streets during construction. 

In the letter, Amtrak states, “Consistent with the federal environmental determination and applicable federal requirements, Amtrak anticipates obtaining any governmental authorization expressly identified in the federal environmental process.” These would be distinct from what the city and the state may have. The lack of an environmental study shared with 11th Ward Ald. Nicole Lee has been a major sticking point and a key reason residents have been rallying against the Amtrak project. 

Although it only need federal approval for their plans, Amtrak states in the letter that it plans to share final designs with the public to provide information. Again, Amtrak outlines its position that it does not need approval from the city to proceed with the maintenance facility.

Nothing surprising.

Well, here's one positive about PE/billionaires/corporations:

"As the Seattle's mayor chases her own agenda, CEOs from corporate heavyweights like Microsoft, Starbucks, Costco, Zillow and Nordstrom are demanding a “credible public-safety plan” that tackles deadly violence, open-air drug markets, and lagging police response times."

nypost.com

On 9/12/2026 at 4:27 PM, southsider2k5 said:

Nothing surprising.

Even though the Amtrak proposed maintenance yard relocation is only the first of many hurdles before a South Loop ballpark becomes a reality, it feels like if this step gets done then a new ballpark is all but happening. Ishbia has said a new stadium would be privately-financed, so that removes the biggest hurdle (state funding). I doubt the city will balk at funding infrastructure for a development with this much private investment. He still needs to close a deal with BNSF for their yard, but that isn't likely to have public opposition.

Oh sure, there are still ways this can fall apart and nothing is guaranteed until there are shovels in the ground. Ishbia doesn't even own the team and may not until 2034. But, it does look like a lot of things are being done to make this happen. Bringing in Northwestern Medicine as another anchor helps, too.

Edited 12 hours ago12 hr by 77 Hitmen

It's the state of Illinois. All hands will be out to receive something. In the end Ishbia will get tired of dealing with the city/county/state political disaster and lease the land for a medical facility or high rise condos. Amtrack is putting their lot in Bridgeport and they can protest all they want. Illinois is just not good at playing politics anymore.

10 hours ago, 77 Hitmen said:

Even though the Amtrak proposed maintenance yard relocation is only the first of many hurdles before a South Loop ballpark becomes a reality, it feels like if this step gets done then a new ballpark is all but happening. Ishbia has said a new stadium would be privately-financed, so that removes the biggest hurdle (state funding). I doubt the city will balk at funding infrastructure for a development with this much private investment. He still needs to close a deal with BNSF for their yard, but that isn't likely to have public opposition.

Oh sure, there are still ways this can fall apart and nothing is guaranteed until there are shovels in the ground. Ishbia doesn't even own the team and may not until 2034. But, it does look like a lot of things are being done to make this happen. Bringing in Northwestern Medicine as another anchor helps, too.

There are absolutely ways this CAN fall apart, but judging by the agencies and cooperation between the directly affected parties, the odds are pretty good that this happens. What form will it take by the time we get there is probably the biggest question, but with Ishbia cooperating with Amtrak and the like, I am not sure what could stop it, except maybe a Worldcom/Enron type financial meltdown.

https://archive.is/J43sN

Article from Crain’s about next steps for Rate Field. Not a lot of new information, though still a good read. Much of this reaffirms ideas that have already been mentioned throughout this thread.

Midwest Maintenance Facility

Midwest Maintenance Facility

Amtrak and Canal Edge are building a modern maintenance facility to support passenger rail in Chicago and across the Midwest.

Also, I found this site through that Crain’s article. This contains the most publicly-available information officially endorsed by Amtrak so far, even detailing the rough size/layout of the maintenance facilities.

12 minutes ago, Mouthsider said:

https://archive.is/J43sN

Article from Crain’s about next steps for Rate Field. Not a lot of new information, though still a good read. Much of this reaffirms ideas that have already been mentioned throughout this thread.

I had NOT seen the Sox have an option year on the stadium for 2030. That's new to me at least.

Also the updated figure of $44.1 million left on the bonds seems pretty small, and I doubt it ends up being an obstruction. They don't list the amortization schedule for it, but between them still having 3 (well really 4) years to still pay on it, I am guessing that it will be either gone, or close enough to gone to not matter, by the time that the new stadium rolls around.

11 minutes ago, southsider2k5 said:

I had NOT seen the Sox have an option year on the stadium for 2030. That's new to me at least.

Also the updated figure of $44.1 million left on the bonds seems pretty small, and I doubt it ends up being an obstruction. They don't list the amortization schedule for it, but between them still having 3 (well really 4) years to still pay on it, I am guessing that it will be either gone, or close enough to gone to not matter, by the time that the new stadium rolls around.

Yeah, that's basically the price Jordan Hicks's current contract and, as you said, it'll certainly be lower than $44M in another 3 or 4 years. If not zero, then maybe $20M or so. The Rate Field debt is very likely a non-issue. If the city/state wanted to condition any infrastructure package with having the Sox pay down that debt, I can't imagine that would be a deal breaker.

Edited 42 minutes ago42 min by 77 Hitmen