Chicago City Wire

Alderman Gilbert Villegas has noted before any illegal immigrants are relocated to the 36th Ward he will host a meeting with local residents.

A site, located on the eastern end of the ward, is under consideration by the Mayor’s office, and Alderman Villegas emphasized the importance of community input before any plan advances.

“Neighbors, Today I was notified by the Mayors office that a site on the eastern end of the ward has been identified as a location for housing asylum seekers,” Villegas said in a statement.

“I made it clear to the Mayors office that there will need to be a community meeting prior to advancing their plan. The proposed location is near the intersection of Western Ave and Grand Ave. (526 N. Western Ave.) I will provide more details as soon as I hear back from the Mayors Office. Ukrainian Village Neighborhood WatchSmith ParkWest Town Community & Neighborhood Watch Page (Greater West Town Chicago) ChicagoGrand Neighbors.”

The potential implications of this proposal have ignited community discussions on social media platforms.

“This location (an old printing plant) backs up to a quiet small neighborhood surrounding a park with many $1M homes. Should be another interesting meeting but for different reasons,” Miss Behavin said on X.

Villegas, in partnership with the Mayor’s Office and the Chicago Police Department, will hold a town hall meeting with 36th Ward residents aimed at discussing the important topic of migrant relocation to the West Town neighborhood.

The meeting will be held Thursday, Oct. 12 from 6-8 p.m. at Chopin School located at 2450 W Rice St. in West Town.

All 36th Ward residents are encouraged to attend.

The new 36th Ward spans from West Town to Riis Park and includes Belmont-Cragin, Galewood, Hermosa, Humboldt Park, Montclare, and Portage Park.

Villegas has represented the 36th Ward since 2015.