Residents Advocate for Quantum Campus Referendum on March Ballots
Residents in South Chicago are campaigning for a referendum to be included on the March 2024 primary election ballots. This push, led by the activist group Southside Together, has garnered over 300 signatures. The referendum seeks to ask voters in three nearby precincts whether to oppose the development of the Illinois Quantum Microelectronics Park on the old U.S. Steel South Works site.
Details of the Proposed Referendum
The non-binding referendum questions target local officials, including Mayor Brandon Johnson and Governor JB Pritzker. They ask if these leaders should halt the quantum campus project and instead focus on “resident-focused, resident-controlled” developments. Potential alternatives proposed include grocery stores, affordable housing, and youth centers.
March 17 Primary Election
If approved, the referendum will appear on the March 17, 2024, primary ballots. The affected areas include Precinct 14 in the 7th Ward and Precincts 2 and 4 in the 10th Ward, which are situated east of the Metra Electric tracks between Cheltenham Place and 95th Street.
Community Concerns and Activism
Local residents have expressed concerns over displacement, environmental pollution, and insufficient community input related to the quantum campus development. Organizers emphasize the need for community awareness and participation regarding local developments. “We deserve to be aware and have a say in what’s happening in our neighborhood,” remarked Luna Arielle, a resident and activist.
The Quantum Campus and Local Impact
The Illinois Quantum Microelectronics Park is a key part of the Quantum Shore Chicago project, which also aims to bring housing and improved access to parks. Groundbreaking for this project occurred on September 30, 2023, and it is managed by Related Midwest and CRG. The development initiative is backed by significant state and county investments, including a $500 million state fund for the quantum campus and additional grants for facilities necessary for its operation.
Financial Implications
The overall estimated cost for the project is around $9 billion, supported by numerous financial incentives from local governments. This includes a $20 million grant from the county Board of Commissioners and $175 million in property tax breaks. However, residents are burdened by rising property taxes, which increased by 28.7% this year in South Chicago, significantly higher than the median citywide rate of 16.7%.
Environmental Concerns
The project site has faced scrutiny due to past pollution. Despite earlier cleanup efforts, recent soil and water tests indicated that approximately 6.5% of the area remains contaminated. Local residents are apprehensive about potential environmental hazards during construction, including increased truck traffic and airborne pollutants.
Next Steps
The Chicago Board of Elections is currently reviewing the petition signatures submitted by Southside Together. The deadline for objections to public policy referenda is December 22, 2023. The city and county must submit public questions for the March elections by December 29. If no other referenda are added, these ballot questions may be the only ones in Chicago addressing local community concerns.
The Southside Together initiative represents a significant movement among residents advocating for a say in developments impacting their community, underscoring the essential connection between local governance and citizen engagement.
