A proposed Amtrak maintenance facility in Bridgeport is drawing renewed scrutiny from Illinois leaders as neighborhood residents continue organizing against the plan. Gov. JB Pritzker’s office described Amtrak’s proposal to move its maintenance operation from the South Loop to Bridgeport as a “bait and switch,” saying the version advanced by the railroad is significantly different from the project the state initially supported. The governor’s office also said Amtrak has a responsibility to be transparent and address residents’ concerns. The $900 million project would clear the way for a new South Loop ballpark proposed by Justin Ishbia, who is seeking to become the White Sox owner. Residents say the maintenance facility would be placed in a densely populated area and question whether the location is necessary. “There’s nobody against this facility being built, just not being built in the middle of a residential area,” resident Peter Caruso said. Maria LaGiglio characterized the development as “a billionaire land swap deal.” Some residents have lived near the proposed site for decades. Tom Bruno, who said his home is steps away, raised concerns about five proposed tanks and his wife’s COPD. He also said the Illinois Sports Authority owns the lot. U.S. Sens. Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth, who initially supported the maintenance-facility upgrade, said in a joint statement Monday that the project should not proceed without input from local leaders and residents. Amtrak said it has worked with federal, state and local officials for years and that the project has changed during development. Canal Edge, Ishbia’s development company, said Amtrak publicly identified Canal Street Yard as a site in 2024 and indicated in 2025 that the project could expand if more funding became available. Chicago 11th Ward Ald. Nicole Lee said residents are pursuing ways to stop or delay the proposal while seeking greater transparency, a full environmental impact study and meaningful community engagement. Residents are raising money to hire legal counsel. Amtrak said it is working to release an environmental determination and traffic and noise assessments. If built, the project is expected to take 18 months to complete.