Congress Reps Demand Federal Action On Mental Health Center Site

TINLEY PARK, IL — The call for federal interaction at the contaminated abandoned Tinley Park Mental Health Center property to the northwest of 183rd and Harlem has reached the congressional level, with two area representatives now calling on the United States Environmental Protection Agency to help. Both Illinois 1st District Rep. Bobby Rush and 3rd District Rep. Dan Lipinski have sent letters to the agency urging assistance over the past week-and-a-half.

“While many states, including Illinois, implement these regulations through their own asbestos programs, the USEPA ultimately has the responsibility of protecting human health and the environment,” Lipinski wrote. “The USEPA has strong technical expertise that I am requesting be leveraged to assist ILEPA in conducting a thorough investigation of hazards on the property and developing a plan to restore this site to use for the community.”

READ MORE ON PATCH: Asbestos Found Throughout Tinley Park Mental Health Center Site

1st District U.S. Congressman Bobby Rush, whose district includes the property, urged a "strong and immediate" response from the USEPA after an Illinois EPA inspection conducted in December found high levels of asbestos and black mold in all buildings.

Lipinski said residents and elected officials - like Trustee Michael Glotz - in Tinley Park have raised concerns about the imminent and substantial risks to the environment and public posed by the contamination issues at the center.

In his letter, Lipinski wrote he wants two specific questions answered from the USEPA by Feb. 28:

- What federal support is available to assist in addressing contamination hazards, including but not limited to asbestos and black mold, at the Tinley Park Mental Health Center?

- Will the USEPA conduct an inspection of the Tinley Park Mental Health Center property and assist in developing a plan for remediation?