The Chicago Plan Commission gave the first approval on Thursday for Chicago Fire FC’s plans to build a $650 million soccer stadium at The 78, a 62-acre vacant site at Roosevelt Road and Clark Street in the South Loop.

But support for the project was divided during a lengthy public comment session. More than 30 people shared thoughts on the project, including subcontractors that have worked with The 78’s master developer Related Midwest and the Near South Planning Board, who anticipate the stadium bringing in a wave of economic development. Other speakers were residents from neighborhoods like Chinatown and Bronzeville, who expressed concerns over the short three-month timeline between the project’s announcement to the Plan Commission’s vote.

“If the community doesn’t even know this is ha

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