Diversey Community Coalition
Protecting Our Neighborhood. Preserving Our Future.
STOP THE MASSIVE 138kV ELECTRICAL SUBSTATION AT 1111 W. DIVERSEY (former Mini Dealership / COVID Testing Site)
URGENT CALL TO ACTION: STOP THE DEMOLITION
ComEd is currently seeking permits to clear this site for a massive industrial electrical substation. We need every neighbor to send three one-click emails TODAY to force a public safety hearing and stop the "by-right" construction of this heavy industrial facility in our residential school corridor.
The Issue: An Industrial "Fortress" in a Residential Zone….Commonwealth Edison’s (ComEd) proposal to construct a 138,000-volt regional transmission hub on the 1.1-acre lot at 1111 W. Diversey. This is NOT a local neighborhood utility—it is heavy industrial infrastructure designed to serve regional loads.
It Belongs in an Industrial Zone: This scale of infrastructure belongs in a manufacturing corridor, NOT surrounded by dense residential housing, primary schools, daycare centers, and high-traffic shopping areas.
Massive Physical Footprint: A windowless industrial wall stretching "lot line to lot line" 125 yards (375 feet) along Diversey—longer than a professional football field—and standing up to 4 stories high.
Hazardous Proximity: The substation will contain thousands of gallons of combustible cooling oil near a property line shared with a daycare (Kensington) and 1 block from a primary school (Harriet Tubman Elementary).
The "Minor" Loophole: ComEd is claiming this is a "Minor Utility" to build it "by right" and avoid the public safety hearings required for Major Industrial projects.
ACT NOW: ComEd is seeking demolition permits. Once the site is cleared, the project becomes more difficult to stop. We must demand a reclassification to Major Utility today and push for its relocation.
ABOUT US: The Diversey Community Coalition (DCC) is a unified voice of residents, parents, and local business owners committed to preserving the character and safety of our neighborhood. We are dedicated to holding city officials and utilities accountable for decisions that impact our community's future. Our coalition brings together diverse stakeholders who share a common vision: a thriving neighborhood where families can raise their children safely and local businesses can flourish.
We are currently challenging the construction of a massive ComEd 138kV regional transmission hub at 1111 W. Diversey Pkwy—a project that belongs in an industrial corridor, not in the heart of a densely populated residential and retail district. Infrastructure is necessary, but placement matters. We believe that regional industrial hubs should be located in appropriate industrial zones, away from our schools, homes, and local shops. Through advocacy, community engagement, and accountability efforts, we are fighting to ensure that our neighborhood remains a place for families and businesses to thrive.
Our Advocacy Initiatives
School Safety & Protection
We are actively opposing the placement of high-voltage equipment and industrial cooling oil on property lines shared with Kensington School and Harriet Tubman Elementary. Our coalition prioritizes the safety and well-being of our children by preventing hazardous industrial infrastructure from being located near schools.
Property Value & Economic Protection
We are fighting to prevent the economic devaluation of our neighborhood. Studies show that proximity to industrial facilities can trigger a 3.5% to 7% permanent drop in residential home values. We advocate for policies that protect homeowners and preserve the economic vitality of our community.
Community Vibrancy & Local Business Support
We are committed to preserving the pedestrian-friendly, vibrant character of the Diversey corridor. By opposing the replacement of prime commercial corners with industrial 'fortress' structures, we protect foot traffic, support local business growth, and maintain the tax revenue that fuels essential city services.