Elgin relocates Tent City residents to hotel as cleanup nears completion; council approves overnight private security

Elgin City Council received an update April 9 on the city’s response to the long‑standing Tent City encampment along the Fox River, including progress by contractor ATI Restoration on site cleanup and the ongoing rehousing of encampment residents at the Lexington Inn & Suites.

The update, delivered by City Manager Kozel, said the city relocated residents to a 50‑room block at the Lexington Inn & Suites after a series of fires in December prompted an immediate intervention. “I owe a debt of gratitude to city staff,” Kozel said, listing case managers, police staff and volunteers who assisted with the move and intake. City staff said crews removed about 233 tons of debris, cut and shredded trees identified for removal, and expect permanent chain‑link fence posts to be installed by April 21, weather permitting.

The relocation and cleanup follow two council actions in December and January: approval of a room block at the Lexington Inn & Suites (50 rooms at a rate the presentation listed as $65 per day) and a contract with ATI Restoration for comprehensive cleanup work capped at $2,500,000. Kozel said current estimates put the final cleanup cost closer to $2,000,000 than the capped amount approved by council.

Why it matters: city officials said the site posed public‑health and safety risks — including hazardous heating methods, carbon monoxide exposure and biohazards — and the cleanup and relocation were framed as immediate measures to reduce those risks and to secure the riverbank property.

What the council heard and approved • Cleanup progress and logistics: Work began January 17 (utility locates, fencing coordination with Metra) and advanced to full cleanup by mid‑March after construction of a haul road and a Metra crossing for heavy equipment. City staff noted a gap in fencing between the city property and adjacent Fox River Water Reclamation District property; staff said they are coordinating with the district and expect bids to cover that gap. Once fencing is finished, crews will seed and fertilize the cleared area.

• Rehousing status and services: The city reported it initially relocated 43 individuals; at the time of the update 39 people remained in rooms at the Lexington. The Association for Individual Development (AID) was named by state officials as the lead agency for an Elgin unsheltered pilot and will provide case management, Medicaid enrollment help, housing application assistance and mental‑health support for Lexington residents. Kozel said the city is pursuing a reimbursement agreement with AID that could provide up to $418,000 in state funding to offset room rental costs; additional funding options from Kane County and reallocation of saved city funds were also cited as possible ways to sustain the effort through the fall if needed.

• Security and operations: The police department provided 24/7 security at the Lexington for an early 10‑week period at an average monthly cost of about $74,000; staffing was later reduced to a single officer on site. Police records run through March 27 show 100 calls for service at the Lexington from Jan. 21–Mar. 27 (47 officer‑initiated; 53 complainant calls). Chief Lally told council the top call types included premise checks, medical/fire assists and 911 investigations, and said there was one instance in mid‑March where police activity briefly touched adjacent EMSA property during arrest activity. Council members and the manager said communications with EMSA leadership have been ongoing.

• Private security contract amendment: Council voted, 9‑0, to approve an amendment to the city’s agreement with Andy Frane security personnel to provide overnight coverage at the Lexington Inn & Suites from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. at a cost the presentation listed as $9,000 per month. The city said Andy Frane personnel would perform room checks and other duties the police cannot lawfully perform for unauthorized guests; police would continue to respond to incidents during daytime hours when requested by hotel management.

Discussion highlights and community response: Council members repeatedly thanked staff and community partners, including Elgin Township supervisor Ken Breuderly, volunteers and local nonprofits such as AID, PADS and Elgin Cooperative Ministries, for assistance with transport, meals and case management. Council member Martinez said, “I think the city was very kind in how they handled the removal,” praising the approach to rehousing. Multiple council members urged development of a permanent plan for unsheltered residents.

Remaining items and next steps: Staff said fencing and final site work should be complete by the end of the month if weather permits, and that the city will continue to pursue grant funding and the AID reimbursement agreement. Council is scheduled to consider the AID reimbursement agreement at a future committee meeting; staff said those funds would be programmed to cover initial Lexington expenses and could extend the stay while permanent housing solutions are pursued.