19 minutes ago, WBWSF said:

I'm surprised that Ishiba is going to the meeting. I would imagine its going to be a very hostile crowd.

Give him points for having the stones to be there, JR certainly wouldn't.

And when all is said and done as others have pointed out, Ishbia holds all the cards, I'm sure he'll make some smaller concessions like a good negotiator but the citizens group has very little leverage in the matter.

1 hour ago, WBWSF said:

I'm surprised that Ishiba is going to the meeting. I would imagine its going to be a very hostile crowd.

58 minutes ago, Lip Man 1 said:

Give him points for having the stones to be there, JR certainly wouldn't.

And when all is said and done as others have pointed out, Ishbia holds all the cards, I'm sure he'll make some smaller concessions like a good negotiator but the citizens group has very little leverage in the matter.

Yep, and he certainly knows he'll be walking into the lion's den at the meeting. I can't imagine what he could say that's going to change their mind on their opposition to Amtrak moving in and (possibly) the Sox moving out. Hopefully he's more diplomatic than tone-deaf Jerry ever has been.

As Lip says, he and Amtrak have the upper hand because they don't need city approval for this. But I'd imagine they want to quell the outrage that's been getting lots of local media coverage over the last couple of weeks. If they go in offering transparency on the process, efforts to mitigate noise and pollution, and perhaps investments in the community, that might take the wind out of the sails of the effort to stop this.

10 hours ago, 77 Hitmen said:

Yep, and he certainly knows he'll be walking into the lion's den at the meeting. I can't imagine what he could say that's going to change their mind on their opposition to Amtrak moving in and (possibly) the Sox moving out. Hopefully he's more diplomatic than tone-deaf Jerry ever has been.

As Lip says, he and Amtrak have the upper hand because they don't need city approval for this. But I'd imagine they want to quell the outrage that's been getting lots of local media coverage over the last couple of weeks. If they go in offering transparency on the process, efforts to mitigate noise and pollution, and perhaps investments in the community, that might take the wind out of the sails of the effort to stop this.

I think its fair to say that most people wouldn't go the meeting if they were in Ishiba shoes. Its bound to get ugly and I'm sure the TV stations will show that.

One of many local news stories about tonight's public meeting.

While I know this will trigger the anti-union folk on this site, the Chicago Federation of Labor supports this project. But the CLF agrees that the residents have raised valid questions and deserve clear answers.

Edited 6 hours ago6 hr by 77 Hitmen

3 minutes ago, 77 Hitmen said:

One of many local news stories about tonight's public meeting.

While I know this will trigger the anti-union folk on this site, the Chicago Federation of Labor supports this project. But the CLF agrees that the residents have raised valid questions and deserve clear answers.

I'd imagine they would support it. The Amtrak maintenance facility and the future stadium will result in loads of union construction work.

It is as clear as light the proposed relocation the massive RR yard was promulgated for a private business purpose, not for a RR purpose. The proposal is arrogant and shockingly untimely as residents have to choose between attending that meeting or a game a few blocks away - a game for first place during a pennant race. And then there is the irony of "South side" jerseys at that game knowing that Ishbia plans to move the team from the South side. Minimally it shows Ishbia is oblivious to the South side identity that White Sox fans have, and that was long before Ishbia was a Tiger fan in Michigan or had a deal to purchase the Minnesota Twins, his soccer franchise or part ownership in an NBA team.

Sox fans that enjoy tailgating will not be happy during the upheaval for the next year or two, and maybe forever. This is going to be a deal breaker for some.

Ishbia attending one meeting with his high priced attorneys and surrogates after he has already decided what he will do, is folly. Opposing this will be like opposing a ballroom or the big arch in our nation's capitol. This country is increasingly being run by big banks and billionaires. Stand down South side.

Ishbia will have his hand in Sox fan's wallets for everything in and around the Railyard, and of course, that was and is his motive for pushing this absurd plan.

Have fun diving into the Chicago river to retrieve a home run. You know, it will be just like McCovey cove by the Bay Bridge and Pacific ocean, only unsafe due to sewage overflows during heavy rains.

Burbeederrrbeeeeburbeeeedeeerrrrrbbbeeee

2 minutes ago, tray said:

It is as clear as light the proposed relocation the massive RR yard was promulgated for a private business purpose, not for a RR purpose. The proposal is arrogant and shockingly untimely as residents have to choose between attending that meeting or a game a few blocks away - a game for first place during a pennant race. And then there is the irony of "South side" jerseys at that game knowing that Ishbia plans to move the team from the South side. Minimally it shows Ishbia is oblivious to the South side identity that White Sox fans have, and that was long before Ishbia was a Tiger fan in Michigan or had a deal to purchase the Minnesota Twins, his soccer franchise or part ownership in an NBA team.

Sox fans that enjoy tailgating will not be happy during the upheaval for the next year or two, and maybe forever. This is going to be a deal breaker for some.

Ishbia attending one meeting with his high priced attorneys and surrogates after he has already decided what he will do, is folly. Opposing this will be like opposing a ballroom or the big arch in our nation's capitol. This country is increasingly being run by big banks and billionaires. Stand down South side.

Ishbia will have his hand in Sox fan's wallets for everything in and around the Railyard, and of course, that was and is his motive for pushing this absurd plan.

Have fun diving into the Chicago river to retrieve a home run. You know, it will be just like McCovey cove by the Bay Bridge and Pacific ocean, only unsafe due to sewage overflows during heavy rains.

I have two words for Ishbia...f off.

Between Alderman Lee, various mayoral candidates, and the ISFA pushing for the Sox to stay in Bridgeport and Ishbia, Amtrak, and now the CFL pushing for the Sox to relocate to South Loop, I think it’s safe to say that, at this point, 35th and Shields will see major changes (regardless of where the next stadium is located) in the near future.

I wonder if there’s been talk of developing that area post-Rate Field.

Edited 4 hours ago4 hr by Mouthsider

6 minutes ago, Kyyle23 said:

Burbeederrrbeeeeburbeeeedeeerrrrrbbbeeee

The issues impact many and transcend vindictiveness or unserious responses.

1 minute ago, tray said:

The issues impact many and transcend vindictiveness or unserious responses.

Why do you hate union workers?

2 minutes ago, tray said:

The issues impact many and transcend vindictiveness or unserious responses.

Tray, you are the most unserious poster who thinks they are serious. Just pages and pages of self own. Burbeeedurrrbeeeee

4 minutes ago, Mouthsider said:

Between Alderman Lee, various mayoral candidates, and the ISFA are all pushing for the Sox to stay in Bridgeport and Ishbia, Amtrak, and now the CFL pushing for the Sox to relocate to South Loop, I think it’s safe to say that, at this point, 35th and Shields will see major changes (regardless of where the next stadium is located) in the near future. I wonder if there’s been talk of developing that area post-Rate Field.

What would be there when a massive rail yard and train repair facility is there? Drive by the CN rail yard in Harvey. Look around it. Is this good for IIT or the numerous properties West of the stadium that have seen millions of dollars of improvements?

Edited 4 hours ago4 hr by tray

2 minutes ago, ron883 said:

Why do you hate union workers?

If this posts incites another AI explanation of Private equity, by grabthars hammer I will ban you for five whole minutes

5 minutes ago, tray said:

The issues impact many and transcend vindictiveness or unserious responses.

And yet you still persist in them.

16 minutes ago, tray said:

It is as clear as light the proposed relocation the massive RR yard was promulgated for a private business purpose, not for a RR purpose. The proposal is arrogant and shockingly untimely as residents have to choose between attending that meeting or a game a few blocks away - a game for first place during a pennant race. And then there is the irony of "South side" jerseys at that game knowing that Ishbia plans to move the team from the South side. Minimally it shows Ishbia is oblivious to the South side identity that White Sox fans have, and that was long before Ishbia was a Tiger fan in Michigan or had a deal to purchase the Minnesota Twins, his soccer franchise or part ownership in an NBA team.

Sox fans that enjoy tailgating will not be happy during the upheaval for the next year or two, and maybe forever. This is going to be a deal breaker for some.

Ishbia attending one meeting with his high priced attorneys and surrogates after he has already decided what he will do, is folly. Opposing this will be like opposing a ballroom or the big arch in our nation's capitol. This country is increasingly being run by big banks and billionaires. Stand down South side.

Ishbia will have his hand in Sox fan's wallets for everything in and around the Railyard, and of course, that was and is his motive for pushing this absurd plan.

Have fun diving into the Chicago river to retrieve a home run. You know, it will be just like McCovey cove by the Bay Bridge and Pacific ocean, only unsafe due to sewage overflows during heavy rains.

Child please

If it were u

3 minutes ago, tray said:

What would be there when a massive rail yard and train repair facility is there? Drive by the CN rail yard in Harvey. Look around it. Is this good for IIT or the numerous properties West of the stadium that have seen millions of dollars of improvements?

As opposed to the thousands of folks walking around Roosevelt and Canal everyday?

Let’s not act like that section of Bridgeport is busier than the spot where Isbia wants to build the stadium.

This just screams Nimbyism

4 minutes ago, nitetrain8601 said:

Child please

If it were u

As opposed to the thousands of folks walking around Roosevelt and Canal everyday?

Let’s not act like that section of Bridgeport is busier than the spot where Isbia wants to build the stadium.

This just screams Nimbyism

That is your opinion and you are welcome to it. See you at the game...or at the meeting tonight?

9 minutes ago, nitetrain8601 said:

Child please

If it were u

As opposed to the thousands of folks walking around Roosevelt and Canal everyday?

Let’s not act like that section of Bridgeport is busier than the spot where Isbia wants to build the stadium.

This just screams Nimbyism

Tray RN.

37 minutes ago, tray said:

What would be there when a massive rail yard and train repair facility is there? Drive by the CN rail yard in Harvey. Look around it. Is this good for IIT or the numerous properties West of the stadium that have seen millions of dollars of improvements?

…which is why I wondered as to if there’s a plan to develop that area. So that it doesn’t become another CN rail yard in Harvey.

Edited 3 hours ago3 hr by Mouthsider

Chicago Sun-Times

Rate Field owners say 'main priority' is keeping White So...

Illinois Sports Facilities Authority Chair Leslie Darling said board members haven't met with Amtrak about its plan for a 24/7 maintenance facility in the Bridgeport neighborhood — adding that a White

Here’s a Sun-Times article on the manner. Interestingly, a former Amtrak worker spoke out against the development, citing quality concerns of the current South Loop yard. Granted, these will be new, freshly constructed facilities, but I’d add anti-rodent measures to the list of concessions Bridgeporters will be asking for regardless.

58 minutes ago, tray said:

That is your opinion and you are welcome to it. See you at the game...or at the meeting tonight?

Ishbia or any owner who wants to better their organization, has my support to do so. They purchased that right. Ishbia has my full support he doesn’t need me there.

And no, I only have weekend season tickets. I don’t go on Thursdays.

I, for one, welcome our future PE overlord in his ambitious endeavor to turn our feeble, laughingstock of a franchise mired with an "it's fine" stadium in a so-so location into a potential juggernaut with a state of the art facility, campus development, premium location, and the ability to print money at ease. Tip of the cap to you sir!

Edited 2 hours ago2 hr by Sleepy Harold

7 minutes ago, Sleepy Harold said:

I, for one, welcome our future PE overlord in his ambitious endeavor to turn our feeble, laughingstock of a franchise mired with an "it's fine" stadium in a so-so location into a potential juggernaut with a state of the art facility, campus development, premium location, and the ability to print money at ease. Tip of the cap to you sir!

And you are not alone.

2 hours ago, nitetrain8601 said:

Child please

If it were u

As opposed to the thousands of folks walking around Roosevelt and Canal everyday?

Let’s not act like that section of Bridgeport is busier than the spot where Isbia wants to build the stadium.

This just screams Nimbyism

As someone who has lived in the South Loop for 20 years, the Bridgeport/Bronzeville/Armour Square area around Rate Field probably is busier than Roosevelt and Canal. Even for someone who lives in the South Loop, the area around the 78 is pretty remote right now. The active areas of the South Loop include Dearborn Station, Wabash between Roosevelt and 18th Street, and State Street around from Balbo to Roosevelt. All these areas aren't that close to Roosevelt and Canal. The closest activity is the Roosevelt Collection mall a few blocks away, but that mall isn't exactly a people magnet. Of course, that would change with Ishbia's proposed mixed-use village. But there definitely aren't thousands of people walking around Roosevelt and Canal on any day of the week.

1 hour ago, Mouthsider said:

…which is why I wondered as to if there’s a plan to develop that area. So that it doesn’t become another CN rail yard in Harvey.

It's not like Harvey would be totally gentrified if not for their intermodal yard. While the Amtrak facility to Bridgeport is certainly not a positive addition, I disagree with the implication earlier that the area will become another Harvey because of it. Plus, I believe that Harvey facility brings in a lot of truck traffic with semis constantly coming and going. That's not going to happen with an Amtrak facility other than employees coming and going on city streets.

As far as any plans for the Rate Field land if and when the Sox leave, if there isn't a plan, one should be developed. I saw somewhere that John Daley said the focus should be a new lease to keep the Sox there. How does he intend that to work? Force the team to stay? And what kind of lease? Another sweetheart deal that will make everyone howl in anger?

Edited 1 hour ago1 hr by 77 Hitmen