Elgin City Council updates Tent City relocation and cleanup initiatives at Lexington Inn

Elgin city officials provided a comprehensive update on the ongoing initiative to relocate residents from Tent City to the Lexington Inn and Suites during the City Council meeting on April 9, 2025. This initiative, which began in January, aims to address the public health and safety concerns associated with the encampments along the Fox River, particularly following a series of fires that highlighted the risks faced by residents.

The city secured a block of 50 rooms at the Lexington Inn for four months at a cost of $65 per day, successfully relocating 43 individuals to date. City Manager Kozel reported that the relocation process has been supported by various community partners, including the Association for Individual Development, which will oversee case management and provide essential services such as Medicaid enrollment and mental health support.

In addition to the rehousing efforts, the city has initiated a cleanup of the Tent City area, with a contract awarded to ATI Restoration for up to $2.5 million. As of now, the cleanup is progressing well, with 233 tons of debris removed and all identified trees cut down. The project is expected to be completed by the end of April, with costs anticipated to be around $2 million, significantly lower than the initial estimate.

City officials also addressed concerns about potential encampments re-establishing in the area. Fencing and signage have been installed to prevent trespassing, and police have been actively monitoring the site. The city is working with the Fox River Water Reclamation District to address a gap in fencing that could allow individuals to return to the area.

The meeting highlighted the collaborative efforts of city staff, police, and community organizations in managing this complex situation. City Council members expressed gratitude for the thoughtful approach taken in relocating residents and emphasized the importance of continuing to seek long-term solutions for homelessness in Elgin. The city plans to utilize grant funding to extend support for the residents at the Lexington Inn, ensuring that they have access to necessary resources as the city develops a more permanent strategy to address homelessness.