Chicago Cleans Gompers Park Amid Controversy with Homeless Residents

CHICAGO, Ill. — City departments in Chicago initiated a cleanup effort on Wednesday at the homeless encampment in Gompers Park, located at 4222 W. Foster Ave. Residents voiced their concerns over safety issues and the state of disarray in the area, while those living in the encampment highlighted their struggle to find alternative housing.

On the morning of the cleanup, cellphone videos captured a crane on-site, and city workers arriving in large numbers. A local resident, identifying himself as D., observed, “Thirty cars and several trucks strong show up here with essentially an army of workers for the city.” The move was officially described by a spokesperson for the Chicago Park District as a routine monthly cleanup, highlighting a need to remove illegal heating equipment due to fire risks.

However, encampment residents contended that the city’s actions went beyond routine maintenance. Philip Roloson, a resident of the encampment, stated, “The cleanup crew and the police swarmed us and started throwing our tents away. They wouldn’t answer none of our questions.” This sentiment reflects a broader frustration among the homeless community regarding the lack of options available to them.

The Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) countered the claim that the city was clearing the encampment, asserting that workers were only removing hazardous propane tanks linked to multiple fires in the park. DFSS communications indicated that three tents were removed in line with their encampment cleaning policy after having been stickered for removal at least seven days in advance.

According to DFSS, about 15 to 20 individuals reside across three encampments in Gompers Park, a number that fluctuates. The Chicago Fire Department reported responding to multiple fires at the encampment, with incidents recorded on January 30, February 2, and February 5. Ald. Samantha Nugent’s office confirmed these events and characterized Wednesday’s actions as a standard off-street procedure.

A representative from the Chicago Park District stated that the primary focus of Wednesday’s cleanup was the removal of potential hazards like propane tanks and smoke stack components used for illegal heating structures, citing the risk they pose to both encampment residents and the public. The spokesperson emphasized, “This coordinated cleaning event is the typical monthly cleaning for the Gompers Park encampment and will not include the removal of the encampment as the Park District and City continue to coordinate support service for encampment residents.”

Still, encampment residents expressed skepticism towards the city’s assurances of support. They reported feeling unprepared for the sudden cleanup and voiced uncertainty about their future. Roloson stated, “They are not really doing all that needs to be done. Where are we supposed to go? We already have nowhere to go.”

The DFSS affirmed its commitment to assist encampment residents, stating that ongoing efforts were in place to connect them with shelter options. An upcoming ‘accelerated moving event’ is scheduled for March 5, which aims to facilitate housing placements for residents.

This event, initially postponed due to complications involving federal funding, is intended to help residents connect with housing case managers and find permanent solutions. However, discussions amongst residents suggest that many still question the effectiveness of these proposed initiatives.

Tara Molina, a general assignment reporter for CBS2 Chicago, highlighted the contrasting narratives from city officials and encampment members, emphasizing the ongoing challenge of addressing homelessness in Chicago.