Chicago agencies dismantle smoke stacks and propane tanks at Gompers Park homeless encampment

CHICAGO (WGN) — Amid ongoing plans to clear the Gompers Park homeless encampment, city officials announced what they said was a planned cleaning that targeted smoke stacks residents in the camp were using to stay warm.

Multiple city agencies descended upon Gompers Park Wednesday morning and in frigid cold temperatures, removed smoke stacks and propane tanks used to heat five units at the homeless encampment, which neighbors of the park have been fighting to remove for months.

The Chicago Park District told WGN News it was a coordinated, monthly cleaning. It came after three reported fires at the encampment this month, but drew a lot of attention because of ongoing plans for what’s referred to as an “accelerated moving event” slated for March 5.

In a statement, the Park District told WGN News, “Occupants of the encampment have been notified of the extreme dangers of the smokestacks and propane tanks as heating sources, and given prior notice of plans for removal, per the city’s protocol.”

“What should be a place of joy and teamwork has become a place of fear and intimidation,” said JJ Betts, a member of the board for the Gompers Park Athletic Association.

Neighbors that have advocated for the encampment’s removal—and the allocation of safe housing for the people living here—spoke up at Wednesday’s City Council Meeting. Just last week, the Gompers Park Athletic Association voted unanimously to move their baseball and softball league from the park, citing safety concerns for the 600 children who play there.

Sources tell WGN News the city also removed some unoccupied tents at Gompers Park Wednesday. Cleaners are scheduled to come back Friday to remove the five structures containing the smokestacks.

Support services will be on scene to help those who live in the structures with the transition, city officials said.