Pilsen Neighbors Urge City To Reject Fisk Power Station Demolition Permits

Pilsen residents and Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez are urging the city to deny Midwest Generation's request for demolition permits for parts of the Fisk Generating Station due to environmental and health concerns. The company plans to demolish 13 structures, including storage tanks and silos, while leaving the coal plant itself intact. During a community meeting, residents expressed the necessity for improved protective measures in a neighborhood that suffers from pollution and environmental racism. Sigcho-Lopez insisted that permits should remain unapproved until the company addresses residents' concerns.

The city has yet to make a decision on the permits, and officials noted the site's environmentally sensitive history. Specific measures will be taken to mitigate dust during demolition, including installing air monitors and using water sprays. The city will have inspectors on-site during work hours to ensure compliance with safety protocols. Previous incidents, such as the Crawford Smokestack demolition, have heightened community fears about dust and pollution management.