ComEd has proposed building a new electrical substation at 1111 W. Diversey Parkway in Lincoln Park, according to a March 19 announcement. The project aims to address increasing electricity demand on the North Side but has prompted concerns from local residents about safety, size, and the impact on nearby homes and schools.
The proposal matters because it could affect property values, neighborhood aesthetics, and the daily lives of those living near the site. Residents are particularly worried about the proximity of the planned facility to the Kensington School of Lincoln Park day care and other community spaces.
During a recent community meeting, ComEd officials said that details such as noise levels, electromagnetic field impacts, and the exact footprint of the substation are still being developed. “We’re seeing increased demand for electricity, not just in this neighborhood but across the city,” Omar Martinez, external affairs manager at ComEd, said during the meeting. “This is about making sure we can continue to provide safe and reliable service into the future.”
Residents pressed for more transparency and specific information regarding potential health risks and changes to neighborhood character. Tayler Forester, principal project manager for ComEd, responded by saying: “We don’t have those exact numbers today. As we get further along in the process, we’ll be able to share more specifics.” Forester also said that while no renderings or final designs are available yet, the facility would be fully enclosed and designed to blend with its surroundings.
Some attendees raised concerns about how close children would be to high-voltage equipment if construction proceeds as planned. Martinez addressed these worries by stating: “Substations like this are commonly built in dense urban neighborhoods, and they’re designed with multiple layers of safety protections. We take those responsibilities seriously, especially when they’re located near places like schools and day cares.” He added that ComEd has reached out to Kensington School regarding their concerns.
The proposed substation requires approval from the Illinois Commerce Commission before construction can begin. No demolition permits have been issued yet. If approved, construction is not expected to be completed until around 2030. ComEd confirmed plans for underground power lines rather than above-ground lines.
