Card Club Owner in Chicago Warns of Destruction by Migrant Accommodation
A new card club in Chicago is said to be on the brink of collapse following its landlord's decision to transform certain parts of the building into a refuge for incoming migrants. Opened months ago on the ground level of a five-story edifice at 344 North Ogden Ave., it boasts a gaming lounge and retail space alongside coveted merchandise.
Chicago Card Club President, Thomas De Boer, grumbled to local news station WFLD that the presence of the migrants is damaging his profits. He lamented, "It's going to destroy our business. It's going to destroy our dreams."
"It's heartbreaking," De Boer further expressed to WFLD. "You work hard to open a business, get excited, and invest tons of money just for the landlord to ruin it."
Around $100K was doled out to renovate the establishment before the official unveiling, with the actualization of fresh floors, counters, and walls. Only a month prior, De Boer was alerted about the intended migrant shelter, as construction for it commenced earlier this month. Migrants had already set up residence in segments of the building once the second week of December dawned.
"It all happened remarkably fast," De Boer shared with WFLD. "None of our patrons desire to return due to safety concerns. There are numerous people lingering outside from the word go, and users don't want to negotiate that."
In turn, De Boer is currently deliberating on taking legal action against his landlord to get back the funds used to refurbish the place.
Scott Goodman, Chicago-based developer and another proprietor of the edifice, was contacted by WFLD for clarification. However, no direct response was issued.
This building is perched in Chicago's West Loop district, neighboring the flourishing Fulton Market community. Previously an industrial ensemble, the area has moved towards becoming a melting pot of entertainment and chic eateries, and a host to numerous cool bars.
Metropolitan authorities considered several districts for placing migrants who are awaiting court-ordered proceedings. More than 15,000 migrants were bused from the southern border to Chicago since August 2022, with WLS, another local TV station, reporting that some lacked rest spaces. Passing the night outside on streets and over 1,500 migrants hibernating in police station lobbies, with 9,200 others sheltering in urban shelters as of this week. Luckily, a selection of them are even accommodated within O'Hare International Airport.
This week, 27 buses transporting migrants from the U.S.-Mexico boundary arrived in Chicago as reported by Block Club Chicago. Each of these buses holds around 50 passengers. Refugees are being taken in to find temporary accommodation by the city.
Deputy Mayor for Migrant, Immigrant and Refugee Rights in Chicago, Beatriz Ponce De Leon, shared with WLS, "We as a city strive to be welcoming, and we'll do our utmost to receive the newcomers that find their way here."
The influx of migrants entering the United States, predominantly from the southern border with Mexico, has engendered intense discourse across the country regarding care for this massive cohort.
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Source: www.casino.org
