Lakeview Residents Protest Proposed ComEd Substation, Citing Safety and Community Concerns
Residents of Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood, including U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley and State Sen. Sara Feigenholtz, are actively protesting ComEd's plan to build a new electrical substation at 1111 W. Diversey Parkway. The proposed substation would be located on the site of a previous substation that exploded in 2006, causing power outages and concerns among residents like Daniel Varanauski, who experienced the incident firsthand. The Diversey Community Coalition, a neighborhood group, claims ComEd has not been transparent or cooperative with residents regarding the project. ComEd purchased the property for $11.5 million in 2021, stating that existing substations in Lakeview and Lincoln Park are nearing capacity and electricity demand is projected to exceed the local grid's support by 2029. The utility asserts it has maintained 'open and honest communication' through community meetings and a website, and has engaged with local alderpeople and stakeholders. However, residents dispute the location, citing proxim...
