Activists call on Johnson to block Pilsen metal shredder

CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — A Southwest Side environmental group has called on Mayor Brandon Johnson to halt the permit process for a metal-shredder in Pilsen.

Members of the Southwest Environmental Alliance say the mayor has been neglecting their demands to block an operating permit for Sims Metal Management in Pilsen.

“Sims has a horrible history and the only one that can stop this is the mayor and [the Chicago Department of Public Health],” said Theresa McNamara, who chairs the Southwest Environmental Alliance.

McNamara described Sims as a “serial polluter” and said she fears for the health of Pilsen's residents.

“Our air in our community is horrible,” McNamara said. “You step outside, and it stinks. You don't know which company it is that's putting out the fumes that smell so bad, and the mayor doesn't care. He doesn't live over there.”

Brian McKeon, the group’s attorney, said the city is violating its own rule by failing to look into the history of Sims.

“They've been cited multiple times by the U.S. EPA and the Illinois EPA for violating the law and not having the proper pollution controls, and the city wants to give them a permit before we can know that they're operating safely,” McKeon said.

He said the group is working on filing a complaint against the city if the mayor does not stop the permit process.

Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!Sign up and follow WBBM NewsradioFacebook | Twitter | Instagram | TikTok