Friends Stands with Southeast Side Community

Friends of the Chicago River was disappointed with a judicial ruling on June 1 that makes it possible for Southside Recycling, a long challenged metal shredder, to gain a permit and open its doors. The company, which bought General Iron, closed its shredding operation in Lincoln Park and attempted to move it to the Southeast Side along the Calumet River, but strong community opposition halted the project in 2021. Mayor Brandon Johnson said the city will appeal the ruling.

“Friends has been against the permit since the beginning,” said Margaret Frisbie, Friends’ executive director. “The Southeast Side is already overburdened with pollution and this kind of riverfront use is archaic and needs to be reconsidered with public and environmental health in mind instead of profit. We stand with the local community and will continue the fight.”