McBroom's Proposal For Signups To House Migrants Nixed In Naperville

NAPERVILLE, IL — Naperville will not move forward with a proposal to create a way for residents to sign up to house migrants. The announcement comes after City Council member Josh McBroom proposed the suggestion during the "new business" portion of the Jan. 16 meeting.

In a memorandum shared with Patch Thursday, City Manager Doug Krieger noted that state and federal agencies are handling signups for residents to house migrants. As a result, Krieger wrote, "it has been determined that it is not necessary for further City consideration, and therefore this matter will not appear on a future City Council agenda."

Krieger also mentioned in the memo that the city had received "a significant amount of feedback" about the issue since last Tuesday's meeting.

At the meeting, McBroom mentioned the influx of migrants to train stations in and around Naperville en route to Chicago.

“We do know there is increasing pressure for suburbs to do our part," McBroom said. He added, "We do live in an affluent community… a lot of big homes… what I’d like to do is direct staff to create a signup sheet for individuals that would be willing to house migrant families."

McBroom's proposal brought support from some residents and resistance from others. Below a post on McBroom's City Council Facebook page, one resident wrote, "Please keep doing what is best for Naperville. Ignore the noise, that is, those that look to distract you from the work you do for Naperville."

Another wrote, "Hope you opened your home up first. Another silver spoon politician blowing through his inheritance trying to make himself somehow relevant."