meetings, 2023 to 2027, pursuant to the Chicago.
counter and procedure rule, 49, the Sergeant at Arms sets
forth, the following rules of conduct to be followed during
the public comment period and the duration of all committee
and City Council, meetings, profane vulgar, threatening
abusive or disruptive language is not permitted. Demeaning
discriminatory or harassing behavior and speech directed
towards. Others is not permitted. Disruptive behavior,
including disruptive or disrespectful content. During
others presentations is not permitted, banners flyers, or
signage are not permitted backpacks, large bags, and sharp
objects are not permitted. Clear bags, not tinted in color
that do not exceed 12 by 12 by 6. In will be permitted in
our subject to search health food and beverages including
in metal canisters are not permitted cell phones. Must be
placed on silent prior to entering the meeting room.
Individuals must remain seated, public comments speakers,
are permitted to stand only when
providing public comment, small handheld devices may be
used only while seated and the user must refrain from
interfering with the view or hearing of other individuals,
individuals or groups failing to adhere to. These rules
will be asked to see such disruptive conduct and failure to
comply. Will result in their being subject to removal from
the meeting by the sergeant-at-arms.
City of Chicago city council rules of conduct for public
meetings, to
2023 to 2027, pursuant to the Chicago city council Rules of
Order and procedure rule, 49, the Sergeant at Arms sets
forth. The following rules of conduct to be followed during
the public comment period and the duration of all committee
and City Council, meetings, profane vulgar threatening
abusive or disruptive language is not permitted. Demeaning
discriminatory or harassing behavior and speech directed
towards. Others is not permitted disruptive behavior
including disruptive or disrespectful conducting others.
Presentations is not permitted, banners flyers, or signage
are not permitted backpacks, large bags, and sharp objects
are not permitted. Clear bags, not tinted in color that do
not exceed 12 by 12 by 6. In will be permitted in our
subject to search all food and beverages including in metal
canisters are not permitted cell phones. Must be placed on
silent prior to entering the meeting room.
Individuals must remain seated, public comments speakers,
are permitted to stand only when providing public comment.
Small handheld devices may be used only while seated and
the user must refrain from interfering with the view or
hearing of other individuals, individuals or groups failing
to adhere to. These rules will be asked to see such
disruptive conduct and failure to comply. Will result in
their being subject to removal from the meeting by the
sergeant-at-arms.
Good morning, everyone.
Happy. Uh, Monday.
And I hope everyone had a good weekend the uh committee on
finance is called to order. We will have a roll call to
establish quorum.
Vice chair Conway.
Alderman laspata.
Alderman Hopkins.
Alderman Hall, Alderman, Mitchell.
Alderman Harris.
Alderman Beal. Alderman, Lee.
Alderman Ramirez, almond Quinn.
Alderman Lopez.
Alderman Moore Alderman, Curtis alderman.
Alderman Moore. I know you're on. Um, virtual. We'll get to
you. I made a mistake Alderman. Curtis Alderman. OSHA.
Alderman, Taylor Alderman Mosley Alderman. Roger Rodriguez.
Alderman Mosley.
Okay.
Alderman Rodriguez.
Uh, yes, that was him. Okay, Alderman, Scott Alderman. CEO
Lopez.
Alderman, Bernett, Alderman, urban urban is on going to be
on remote Alderman. Talia Farrell
Alderman. Cardona, alderman waguespack.
Alderman, Rodriguez, Sanchez.
Alderman Ramirez, Rosa Alderman, viegas Alderman mitts
Alderman, spaz Alderman Vasquez.
Alderman Reilly Alderman. Kuden Alderman Martin
Alderman Silverstein.
Chairman dowels here.
We have 17 in the chamber's. We have a quorum
um, Alderman and Alderman Moore have requested to Pro to
participate remotely at today's meeting for reasons, stated
under the provision of rule 59. Can I have a motion to
allow Alderman? Ervin, and more to participate Alderman.
Harris. Thank you for the motion. All those in favor.
Signify by saying I oppose
And the opinion of the chair of the eyes have it and the
motion carries, can I confirm that Alderman? Ervin, and
Alderman, Moore present, and have joined today's meeting?
Yes.
Thank you Alderman, Moore.
before we begin public comment today um, for the tephra
hearings and public comment for the regular agenda. I would
like to read that the items to be deferred at the request
of the alderman of the 12th 11th and 25th Wards. Um are the
following items on page 3 item number 8?
8 approving. The amendment number 4 to the Redevelopment
plan for the pilson Tiff, tax increment.
Uh, financing Redevelopment plan.
Provided for the Redevelopment of the expanded area in the
11th 12th and 25th. Ward on page 3, item number 9,
designated the expanded. Pilson Tiff Redevelopment project
area, a Redevelopment project area, pursuant to the tax
increment, allocation redevelopment act in the 11th 12th
and 25th, Ward. And on page 3, item number 10, add tax
increment, financing for amendment number 4 to the
Redevelopment plan, for the expanded pills and Tiff reached
development project area in the 11th 12th and 25th wards
we will now start our committee on finance Terre, hearing
Ladies and gentlemen, today we will hold a combined Tara
public hearing for 2 separate projects, the care manner
project and the Prairie District apartments project.
For each project, the city will issue separately,
multi-family housing debt.
The projects have different owners and are not connected to
each other in any way.
The hearing will come to order.
Let the record reflect that this is a public hearing that
is being held pursuant to the requirements of section, 147f
of the Internal Revenue code of 1986 as amended.
A notice of the public hearing for the care manner project
was published on september 6th 2024 on the website of the
office of the city, clerk of the city of Chicago.
a separate notice of the public hearing for the Prairie
District apartments project was also published on september
6th 2024 on the website of the office of the city clerk.
Let the report are marked the screenshot of each notice as
committee. Exhibits. Number 1 and 2 respectively, for
identification,
These are also.
On the screen above you.
Um, I'm sorry, sir. If you're going to start already, we're
going to have you removed.
We're going to have you remove, if you get started.
um, can I have a, uh,
Sit down. Sit down.
Sit down or you will be asked to be removed.
also want to acknowledge that Alderman Hall has joined us
And will be counted for Quorum and also Alderman bill.
Yeah. Madam chair Alderman is also present.
Thank you, Alderman. Urban, we uh, motioned you in for
remote participation. Thank you.
This is a hearing regarding 2 separate plans of Finance.
The first plan of Finance is for the city to issue its
multifamily. Mortgage Revenue. Note 2024 series a care
manner in an amount, not to exceed 15 million dollars and
we will refer to this as the care manner note.
The proceeds of the Care manner, note will be loaned to care
manner, ILP and Illinois, limited partnership. We will
refer to them as the care manner borrower along with
certain other funds to finance the development of an
affordable housing project, which we are calling the care
manner project,
The care manner project consists of the following, the
acquisition, from the city of Chicago of 2, vacant Parcels
of land, generally located at 4531 through 4533, West
Washington Boulevard in Chicago,
We will refer to this as the care manner city property and
2. The acquisition for United for Better Living Inc, not
for profit and Illinois. Not for-profit Corporation, we
will refer to them as ubl of 5 Parcels of land. Generally
located at 4549 through 45555, West Washington Boulevard in
Chicago, Illinois, which are adjacent to the care manner
property.
City property and together with the care manner, city
property will refer to this as the care manner property.
and 3 the construction, equipping and leasing of 1 newly
constructed 3-story, walk-up residential rental apartment,
building on the care manner property. Containing up to 44,
dwelling units and up to 21 parking spaces, for residents.
All of which will be rented to households coming, earning
up to 60% of the area median income together with related
common areas, parking facilities, and on-site laundry
facilities.
The care manner borrower will be the initial owner operator
of the Care manner project.
Care manner, Inc, and Illinois, not for profit. We will
refer to this as the care manager. General partner is the
general partner of the Care manner borrower
The care manner borrower and the ubl together with their
Affiliates will be designated as the care manner developer
for the care manner project.
The city will issue the care manner. Note pursuant to its
powers as a home rule unit of government under the 1970
constitution of the state of Illinois and an ordinance
adopted by the city council of the city of Chicago.
the care manner, note will not be a general obligation of
the city, the state of Illinois, or any political
subdivision thereof, but will be a limited special
obligation of the city.
The principal of Premium. If any and interests on the care
manner, note will be payable solely out of the revenue of
the Care manner project and other projects, pledged and
assigned for their payment by the Care Manor. Borrower in
accordance with the borrower loan agreement between the
city and the care manner borrower.
The care manner, note will not con constitute.
An indent or an obligation of the city, the state of
Illinois or any political subdivision of the state of
Illinois within the purview of any constitutional
limitations or legal provisions.
No, holder of the Care manner. No will have the right to
compel any exercise of the taxing power of the city, the
state of Illinois, the United States of America or
political subdivision of any of them to pay the principal
of Premium. If any or interest on the care manner, note
written comments related to the plan to issue the care
manner. Note must have been submitted by mail to the
committee on finance. No later than 1 p.m. Friday,
september 13th 2024
Now, we will turn to the Prairie District apartments
project.
This is the second plan of finances for the city to issue.
Its multi-housing revenue bonds series 2024 in a principal
amount not to exceed $30 million, we will refer to these as
the Prairie District bonds.
The bonds of the Prairie District.
The proceeds of the Prairie District, bonds will be loaned
to MHL 2 Prairie District apartments, W, Wabash, LP, and
Illinois, limited partnership. We will refer to them as the
Prairie District borrower in order to 1 finance and
affordable housing development project, consisting of the
acquisition, Rehabilitation and equipping of a 6-story
building located. Generally at 1801 South Wall, Bosch
Avenue in Chicago, Illinois to contain 100 Studios as well
ground floor devoted to residential amenities and
space and 2 pay. All or a portion of the cost of issuance
and other costs and connection therewith. We refer to this
as the Prairie District apartment's project
The Prairie District borrower will be the initial owner
operator of the Prairie District apartments projects.
MHL 2 Prairie District apartments wall Bosch GP LLC and
Illinois. Limited liability company, we will refer to them.
As the Prairie District General partner is the general
partner of the Prairie District, borrower and Mercy Housing
Inc. A Nebraska not for-profit Corporation is the sole
member of the Prairie District General partner.
The city will issue the Prairie District, bonds, pursuant to
its powers as a home rule unit of government under the 1970
constitution of the state of Illinois and an ordinance
adopted by the city council of the city of Chicago.
The Prairie District, bonds will not constitute General
Obligations of the city, but will be a special limited
obligations of the city payable, from revenues derived
under the loan agreement, with the Prairie District
borrower and otherwise is provided in the indenture under
which the Prairie District bonds are issued.
The Prairie District, bonds will not constitute an
independence of a loan.
will not constitute an independence or a loan of credit of
the city, the state of Illinois, or any political
subdivision thereof within the meaning of any
constitutional or statutory provisions and no owner of any
bonds shall have the right to compel any, exercise of the
taxing power of the city, the state of Illinois, or any,
other political subdivision thereof to pay the principal of
Premium of any, or interest on the Prairie District bonds
written, comment relating to this plan, to issue the
Prairie District, bonds must have been submitted by mail to
the committee on finance. No later, than 1 pm, Friday,
septembar, 13 2024,
Let the record reflect that. There were no written comments
submitted on either project.
um ladies and gentlemen, if any Resident taxpayer or other
interested person attending this hearing desires and
opportunity to express their views for or against the
proposed amendment of The Care manner, note or the Prairie
District note, bonds or both?
please do so in the following manner, but those attending
in this hearing in person, please come up to the microphone
in the aisle when your name is called or 2, for those who
have called in or on the toll-free phone line, please enter
Uh, hashtag 9 or whatever that is on your phone to notify
the host of the call-in number. And once you are called
upon to provide your comments, please enter star 6 to
unmute your phone. Each speaker will be limited to 3
minutes.
Please indicate in your comments which projects or projects
you are speaking about.
Um, if there are any member of the public taxpayer
interested person who wishes to make a statement with
respect to these projects,
And the related City debt.
I want to acknowledge Alderman, Hopkins, who joined us?
Alderman mitts who has joined us and will be counted
towards quorum.
Uh, we have 2 speakers that have signed up for comment on
chairwoman. This is uh, Alderman. Carlos Ramirez Rose. I
just wanted to make sure that you knew I was virtual.
Uh, do we have a move with you? Do we have a rule 59 for
him?
just,
okay, so we just received a rule 59 for Alderman Ramirez.
Rosa, can I have a motion to allow Alderman Ramirez? Rosa.
So moved by all the listada
Those in favor. Signify by saying I
you're in the meeting Alderman, Ramirez. Rosa, thank you.
Um, we have 2 people who have signed up to speak the first
1 to be called as TJ Hughes.
Madam, chairman and ottoman. Good morning. Um,
I'm really not that familiar with all this that's going on.
I just happened to be listening to you now. Talking about
it.
and I feel like,
um, I just want to make sure that
the, this particular
Uh matter.
this particular matter is heard and that we're hearing it
openly and that I just want to know how many once this
becomes uh in effect how many of our people are going to be
able to participate?
Okay. Our um, I'm black so everybody can look at me and see
that I'm black.
Uh, but I am and I'm also an advocate for women minority.
Um, mwbe um contractors. So and I'm also an advocate for
The beepo community.
but my main focus you know would be on my my people so I
just want to make sure that we are going to be a part of
this because with a lot of stuff that you were saying I
couldn't find it on the sheet so I just want to make sure
and be on the record that I will be monitoring when this
comes about how many of our people black people.
Contractors that are certified and have all their
credentials are part of it. And I would just like to state
that for the record madam.
Thank you very much for your comments this morning.
Uh, the next speaker is Zoe lelay.
Right.
Tax increment. Financing is a tool used by local
governments in Illinois. The fund improvements and
underperforming areas of their jurisdiction.
And every time for the past years, since I've been coming
down here like this, Tif money is going nowhere near.
The black communities like it's so much stiff money and a
TIF money goes everywhere. But the black communities and
that is what it's supposed to be for. Like y'all want to
give us y'all want to raise our taxes, right property taxes
and it would make sense if you guys would actually care
about the black communities.
there is nothing in our communities, but y'all are about to
pass 10 million, 20 million 50 million in everybody else's
communities, but our communities
And y'all like we are a billion dollar in deficit, but we're
sitting here about to pass all this money.
For another project that we're never going to see.
Because that's a racquet that's affordable. Housing thing
is a racket.
You know, and everybody doesn't want to do affordable
housing. Y'all are straight taken communities away. Y'all
taking Traditions away. Like this is weird, people don't
know, their neighbors. It's just you're you're this is
weird and it's not supposed to be like this but y'all keep
stealing this money.
Like, that's just what it is.
So like honestly I pray every day to justice department
comes in the IRS Criminal Division and the FEDS because
y'all are stealing this money.
I'm gone.
Thank, thank you, Miss Lee, ladies and gentlemen.
this concludes the combined public housing, this
Con, this concludes the combined public hearing on the 2
prophetic Chicago to issue its multi-family mortgage
revenue revenue note, Miss Miss Jackson, Miss Jackson.
I will ask the police to remove you.
Excuse me.
I would like to have, I would like to have those 4 people
removed.
And then you remove them.
We will stand at ease for 5 minutes to clear. The room, we
would very much appreciate it. We'll be back in 5 minutes.
Thank you.
Madam chairman.
The committee on finance is called back to order. I just
want to finish up this Terra hearing lady
Ladies and gentlemen, this concludes the combined public
hearing on the 2 prophetic multi-family. Mortgage Revenue
Note 2024 series a for Care Manor and an amount.
Not to exceed million dollars for the care manner project
And for the second, the city to issue its multifamily
housing, Revenue, bond series 2024 and a principal amount
not to exceed 30 million for the Prairie District
apartments project.
Let the record reflect the combined public hearings on this
project. On these projects was concluded at 10:45 a.m.
On septembar. 16th 2024, this concludes the combined tephra
hearing for the care manner project and the Prairie
District apartments.
We will now move into our regular.
Order of business meeting for the committee on finance.
And that meeting is called to order. We'll have a roll call
to establish quorum.
Vice chair Conway.
Alderman laspada.
Alderman Hopkins.
Alderman Hall.
Alderman Mitchell Alderman Harris.
Alderman, bill.
Alderman. Lee.
Alderman Ramirez.
Alderman Quinn.
Alderman Lopez.
Alderman, Moore Zahn remote.
Alderman. Curtis
Alderman. OSHA
Alderman, Taylor.
Alderman Mosley.
Alderman Rodriguez.
Alderman Scott.
Alderman, CEO Lopez.
Alderman brunette Alderman is on.
Alderman Barnett is on on uh remote also okay. Alderman
brunette, we're gonna have to rule 59 un so hold it a
minute. All them in is already on remote Alderman. Talia
Farrell
Alderman, Cardona.
Alderman waguespack.
Alderman, Rodriguez, Sanchez.
Alderman Ramirez Rosa has been, uh, is on remote.
Alderman. Viegas.
Alderman mitts.
Alderman spaz.
Alderman Vasquez Alderman, Reilly alderman kutson.
Alderman. Martin.
Alderman Silverstein.
Chairman dowels here.
we have a quorum Alderman hall Hall, we will count you
towards
We will count you towards.
When you come down here on time and fill out the public
comment period on time, you can speak.
But you did not fill out the public comment period on time
you were not here and thank you very much.
Can you please? Um, remove her.
Please remove her now.
We have a quorum.
Alderman. Um,
Bernette.
Has requested to, to, uh, participate remotely at today's
meeting due to a rule 59 requests, can I have a motion to
allow him move by Alderman? Lee, all those in favor signify
by saying, I
Posed.
And the opinion of the chair, the eyes have it. I've been
reminded by the corporation that I also must do again,
Alderman, Moore Van and Ramirez Rosa. So I would like to
add them to the motion Alderman lie, if you so except all
those in favor, signify by saying, I
Oppose and the opinion of the chair of the eyes have it?
Um, we will confirm that, we did confirm that Alderman.
Bernett is on the, on the call, we'll now go into public
comment because we received a lot of signups for public
comment today. Um, we will limit, uh,
each speaker to 2 minutes instead of 3, so we can get
Here, for more people.
we'll start with, um,
Uh, it looks like uh, a m Martinez.
From Hope culture.
Good morning, Mr. Chairman, good morning, everyone here.
This, uh, this morning, uh, my name is Al Alex, El
and, uh, I was born in raised in, uh, in the pilson
community. Uh, my family was born and raised in the P
Community. Uh, I've been actively involved in, in in just
uh, within the community an organizing and uh until this
day, we have a community support group there. Also, in the
pilson community and my heart's desire is to see it
continue to, to improve and to grow. And, and more things
taking place for, uh, our, our young young people and for
the things that are taking place within the community and
when it comes to gang violence or, or, or or or gun
violence? Uh, we really believe that. There's an answer.
Uh, we uh, my heart is also to be able to see change. Come
and continue to move forward. I believe that uh, in the
past, when I hear what the Tif uh uh, whether it was for
the people or not, I do know that moving.
Forward under the leadership of Byron Lopez, I believe that
it's going to benefit all of us as as Community
organizations. As residents as people are looking to
improve, uh, and see the community continue to grow, uh,
and and improve and within the community. So I'm for it, I
speak for it and I, and I know that uh, going forward
It will benefit.
It will benefit the community and what our hearts desire is
to see it uh be a place where our residents can live in
peace uh infrastructure can continue to grow. Uh there'll
be more benefits for the, the libraries, for the schools.
Uh, I've just been to a school, just the other day and
looked at the condition of the school and um, my heart fell
because I know that we can do better. I know that the
places that I visited, we can do better, and I know that
the Tif as much as we say, it'll raise the taxes, I know
that would better leadership, I know with leadership and,
and, uh, um, committees that are really are transparent and
have a a desire to see the community grow. I know that
it'll be going in the right direction.
Thank you.
Our next, our next speaker is lonardo quinteto.
Hello everyone. Uh my name is Ronaldo ELO n a r d o q u n t
r o hi Byron. Um I am a lifelong pilson resident. Um I've
been working with young people for over.
18 years now in the pilson area as well as another areas.
Um, I do believe that at its best, the Tif will help
people.
But it's also a way to separate people and perpetrate this
mindset of scarcity. Um, and we heard here today with
people yelling um and putting up a good argument regarding
fact that these communities in our communities are being
pitted against 1. Another because of these lack of
resources, when we all know that there's enough resources,
um, so I'm here to say that I oppose the Tiff, and I hope
that
The uh left side in the Progressive, aldermen here, vote
alongside the majority of the people of pilson. Um and
yeah, then we stand together against this. Thank you.
The, the next speaker is Steve Vidal.
Good morning.
My name is Stevie D and I've been a proud resident of
pilson for most of my life and I'm a leader of the
Resurrection projects, pilson me a lot of collective. I'm
also a proud CPS teacher at Benito, Hughes Community
Academy for the last 25 years.
I urge the city to approve and support the Civic expansion.
I'm the owner of a 130 plus year old building near Western
Inn 23rd Street in pilson, my family right in the
neighborhood in 1973 1972, through hard work. My parents
bought the building where I live in in 1985, and I've been
really hit with property taxes in the past 5 years. In
fact, my property taxes have tripled. Please pass the Tif
expansion for our families. I would like to speak on behalf
of 2, neighbors of ours, and lifelong pilson, residents,
Raul Hernandez and lupos Raul Landis uses a wheelchair and
lives on 17th Street every day. He faces challenges because
the sidewalks is damaged on both sides of the building,
forcing him to use the street to get in. And out of his
home, we can say yes and help boost repairs for sidewalks
and pilson on the night of the tornadoes that hit the area.
Back in mid July of this year Lupe bye suffered damage to a
roof, resulting in half the shingles, being blown away due
to an extremely high insurance deductible Lupe, cannot
cover the repairs. As a result of your family has.
Struggled the
Cover the out of pocket repair costs due to financial
hardship. We can say yes to help boost support for property
owners for repairs. The proposed expansion will give
resident housing owners much needed relief. For deferred
maintenance. For example, I am 1 of many property owners
who have been stuck and had to put out tuckpointing Roofing
repairs and updating our porches, and fixing vaulted,
sidewalks due to the rising cost of living in pilson. We've
had no other choice but to defer those repairs and increase
the rent, on our working-class families. As a result
Community families have been forced out of pilson due to a
lack of affordable. Housing, we urge you to pass expansion
and let's get much needed additional affordable housing.
Right now, lastly our local elementary schools such as
Cooper Youngman Orosco. Perez Picard pilson, Academy Ruiz
Whittier, and Walsh have experienced drastic declines in
their student enrollment because families cannot afford to
live in pilson anymore. Without this relief, our classrooms
will become vacant. This expansion will result in the
opening. A casa Yucatan.
Thank you very much for your comments, sir.
The next speaker is Julie Seiki.
Thank you. My name is Julie, sikhi, and I am the President
of the Society of St. At Albert's also known as Sosa. I am
opposed to the pill, scientific expansion ordinance. It
will be the nail in the coffin for the long term survival
of St. Add delbert's Church the pearl of pilson. A historic
and landmark worthy treasure that has been part of pilson's
fabric for over a hundred or for 150 years, this year.
Actually, since Byron took office, we explained to him that
the church cannot
Survive on its own. And for this reason real estate
development of any kind at sta delberts is not a viable,
long-term solution yet, this is exactly what Byron is
slightly pursuing despite his denials. And for this reason,
he needs the Tif expansion. In fact, Byron has told several
seniors in our prayer group that he needs to for said
Alberts and if he doesn't get it, he's going to withdraw.
His support for landmarking, such a threat, has some in our
prayer group who are here today. Very afraid to speak out
against Byron and are mortified that I am actually doing.
So I no longer trust Byron and his promises and what he
says, the Whoppers are startling that people will be able
pay their property. Taxes with Tif money repair their homes
with Tif money. You just heard the gentleman before me.
me. These are not permissible uses under Tiff state. Law is
required a change in state law. In order for these
permissible uses, this is Pie in the Sky highly unlikely,
but our vulnerable
Vul Community. Some of our residents are buying it hook
line and sinker, I'm sure that none of this surprises. Some
of the alderman here today, as we are all familiar with
Byron's taxes but this is it this could all be over for
Santa delberts with a vote for the Tif the gloves are off
and I am swinging for 5 years. I've had to deal with Byron
and I bit my tongue. So as not to create an enemy of him
and jeopardize the future of Saint at Albert's. I played
nice, I played dumb every time he lied and I didn't call
out as BF
Until now he has crossed the line. He is hijacking our
church for his Personal Agenda. Thank you very much for
your comments.
Mark, Mark, the next speaker is Martha Puebla.
Miss.
Yeah.
Hi. My name is Tama Martinez. I'm translating for her in
English. Her name is Marta and she is 4 t.
Uh, her husband and her have been living at Kasam meriva
for 3 months. Now,
um,
she has always lived in pelson.
And her husband has always sold paletas for many years.
Um,
she has a husband who is sick and had his like cut off.
Um, and now they're living with the resources, they need.
At uh, the resurrection project affordable housing.
What's?
Yeah, can you translate that for her, ma'am?
Ma'am. Can you translate that for her?
Yeah. So um
Her name is Marta. Puebla.
And her and her husband have been living in Casa Maria, for
3 months. Now know, just the end part you the end part.
Yes.
Um, so they have been living.
Um, at different rent place. But their fees were increased
to high to a point that they couldn't make it. And since
her husband could no longer work, they had to
go into an affordable housing.
So they believe that more elderly people should get the
chance to have affordable housing at low cost, like late,
like they do.
so, they want to support the Tif
For that to happen, Okay? Thank you very much.
The next, the next speaker is Marv. Maria Soto.
Hi, good morning, chairman chairwoman Dal and council
members.
I asked you to vote. No, on Tiff.
The expansion of Tiff would have a negative impact in
pilson. As it would indirectly, be a tax increase on the
community as a whole.
And the and the city as well.
No other ward in the city of Chicago would have an 85% uh,
TIF district. It would only be the 25th War. Why is that?
Why do we have to be the ones? Having the highest TIF
district in the city?
I asked you to listen to Everyday people like myself.
And not the non-for-profit organizations, or the Catholic
churches, who pay no tax. These are entities that pay no
tax. Catholic Church cereal, tax, property tax, whatever
tax non-for-profit, organizations don't pay any tax. So
these are organizations lobbying when we the residents
would be the ones, having this be, the residents will be
the ones being impacted by this Tif increase. That's right.
Also, there's a lot of calls to better Parks schools.
Currently there is a hundred million dollars sitting in the
Taff in the Tif um,
Why hasn't that been used already? If you want to do a
better Library? Why hasn't this been in the pipe work?
There's enough money. There's enough money.
As currently he said somebody's saying it's only for
industrial use use. You haven't changed the laws, right.
But now you're going to have a you're going to have 1
billion dollars and you're going to all of a sudden change
the laws Lobby Springfield Lobby, the city of Chicago Lobby
everyone. So you can find a way to spend this billion
dollars. Does that make any
Sense.
You have to change, it hasn't changed for 100 for 100
million but yet you wanted to change for 1 billion dollars.
No, I don't think so. Thank you for your comments. I want
to acknowledge for Quorum Alderman Rodriguez. Sanchez
Alderman, Mitchell Alderman, Quinn and Alderman. Reilly our
next speaker is Dr. Wallace skater, Bradley.
Madam chairman.
And it's a God's body.
It's good to see. Everybody is finally learning what
democracy is all about.
Everybody have the right to speak their mind if they
speaking it. Orderly.
Pertaining to the rules.
We heard the pro and cons about housing that's going to
affect all our communities.
Not just yours, but I'm here.
For the Department.
Of law.
I appreciate this committee.
Making the decision.
To.
Take care of the individuals that have been wrongfully,
convicted.
Some of them have been tortured by Chicago police officers.
I'm glad chairman that you the chairman of the finance
committee. I'm glad that this Administration has a new
corporate
Uh, Council.
Because the 1 that was getting all the money was Private
attorneys.
That was representing the police officers that was doing
all these crimes.
To the tone of a billion dollars.
That didn't count the settlement.
I just want to say, I've been paying attention to your
growth and development.
On being able to spend the money, right? When you got
Department.
Lawyers in the department that you budgeted.
That no life for Mark. Max's case. This man went to
Penitentiary, he was tortured for 20 years for a crime that
he didn't commit, but because we pushed for DNA, we end up
catching the individual that committed the crime. M Maxon,
end up getting a certificate of Innocence.
So, how can a private lawyer?
Convince this body.
Their clients that they can win a case. That's why you got
the fionn million dollar settlement.
No jury decision when he would have took 10 million.
Thank you for your comment.
Um, also want to acknowledge Alderman, Lopez Silverstein
and OSHA have joined us and will be counted towards quarum.
Our next speaker is Zita Flores
Thank you. I'm going to try to make it really fast. Thank
you. Chairwoman Dal for deferring. A controversial, Tiff.
As seen here, an item that has further. Divided our
community, good morning everyone. Thank you for your
service and Leadership under these very challenging times.
I'm Aida Flores. I was born and raised in pilson since
when my parents left islaw Guerrero and cross the border to
settle in pilson. I've raised my 24 year old daughter here,
my 10 year, old son here professionally. I've dedicated my
life to
Educating others as a public school teacher and presently as
an elementary school assistant principal. I understand that
the tips benefit some of the schools, my school Community
included yet. I am here in Coalition with neighbors that
are renters homeowners and Community Leaders with varying
opinions on the tific span on the tips in general. But with
1 unique message, which is to vote, no on the pill
scientific expansion because it's going to have a negative
impact in pilson. And in the rest of the city, 1 with the
scarcity mentality but also for 3 reasons, the first thing
is it would cover most of our, our TIF district, most of
our Wort, which is unheard of anywhere else. This money
will result in further displacing us as property tax
increases to offset the diverted money and the vague plan
that has been presented to Residents has 3 issues. First of
issues. First of all, it's misleading to vulnerable
residents as you heard them worried about losing their
homes.
About home, repairs it presents liability to the city and it
sets us to be a city of half and half Nots. So, the second
thing is the renovations that they're discussing, all of
that could have come through the general fund, we don't
need to have specific pet projects, to create a scarcity
mentality. 3 we set a terrible president that we will
establish individual, Tif districts for every war to be
able to identify whatever project they want. We are 1 City.
We should not be a city of half and half not with a TIF
districts. So I ask that you consider voting no on this Tif
expansion. Thank you so much for taking the time to listen
to us.
Our, our next, our next speaker is Selma Martinez.
Salma Martinez.
Okay, we'll skip you Elma Duran.
Good morning. My name is Alma Duran. I used to say yes to
the bill scientific expansion. I'm a party Mentor
coordinator at wi elementary elementary in pilson. I have 3
children 2 which are students at piss, a school, which is
also in pilson. At the time of my separation. I have to
make the decision to leave the house where I live, and I
was in a difficult task looking for an appropriate place
for me. And my children, begin
I was looking for another apartment in pilson for months,
but it was too difficult because the rent was very
expensive. I'm here about Casa Durango and I was a hope for
me. I knew that I will have to deal with a long and
difficult process, but I still fill it out the application
and I was very attentive to the process because it was my
only option if I want to stay in Pilsen.
Now I'm a resident kidango, my children, and I are very
happy to have been eligible to leave in that building, that
provide us with security comfort, and peace of mind and
mostly important and affordable rent. I want to another
families to have the same opportunity.
I am here to tell in my story so the other pills and
residents can see that is a possible to stay. I support the
resurrection project with the construction of more
affordable rental housing like as a jukatan because there
are still many families who want to stay or return to
pilson. Yukatan will be possible only if the ten the peace
and Tiff expansion is approved. So I'm in totally support
of the expansion as I want to know the pills and families
to live in a decent safe and affordable apartment. As I do
with my children, thank you and very much for your support.
Say yes to p.
Our next speaker.
is Vicky Lugo
Vicky Lugo.
And for my colleagues we have 5 more speakers public
speakers.
My name is Vicky Lugo. I was born and raised in pilson
where I lived most of my life.
Though, I've moved my family, still resides here. And
pilson, is where my roots and my heart are.
I stand before you today because I'm against this pilson
Tiff expansion despite Promises by the aldermen that Tif
funds will provide property tax relief for struggling
homeowners that's currently not possible without
legislative changes at the city and state level.
Passing such legislation would be incredibly difficult.
Given the entrenched corruption in Illinois. Politics
developers can easily influence lawmakers with their
corporate money.
Alderman, sexual Lopez Lopez is making empty promises
preying on the vulnerability of burdened homeowners.
Furthermore, Chicago Chicagoans will need to cover the
nearly 100 million dollars annually. That will be diverted
to the Tif funds. Instead of going towards Public Services.
Like schools tip districts forces, City taxing bodies to
charge all Chicago residents a higher property, tax rate to
reach their Levy to fund public services or cut services to
compensate for the property values that aren't able to be
taxed. Hence, the recent fee hiring freeze and nearly
billion dollar budget, shortfall projected for next year.
Already struggling homeowners, particularly in,
historically disinvested black and brown. Communities will
have higher taxes that will lead to displacement.
Displacement and gentrification. There are better.
Alternatives, Mayor Johnson has a bond program that will
fund many of these projects outlined in the pilson. Tiff
expansion proposal without relying on tips.
It's confusing and concerning that. While the mayor is
sunsetting. Tips. The alderman of the 25th word is
simultaneously pushing to expand it. This contradiction
raises.
Serious questions about the city's Direction and Leadership
priorities. Do we need help for homeowners, thank you very
much.
All right, the next speaker is Javier Ruez.
The next speaker is Javier rumes Ruez.
In the next speaker, after him will be annias Oco.
Okay. Sorry. All right I'll be quick. All the points have
been pretty much said I'm speaking against the Tif
expansion for the past 3 weeks, we've been working
tirelessly to collect, thousands of petition signatures
right here,
um,
All the members in the committee should have gotten it in
your email boxes. You all could verify where these
addresses are. They're all the constituents in the 25th
Ward against the Tif expansion.
Um,
In response to our community organizing the alderman
created a voting process, which from the get-go, had many
faults to begin with, uh, to start. Our Ward does not have
a precedent for participatory budgeting or Democratic
Community zoning decisions. Even though he tells all you
guys, he does in reality, we haven't seen it. Um, so it's
not like we had a point,
Of reference to work with to begin with, um, with this
voting process. Uh, he literally scrambled to create an ad
hoc Kangaroo Court, like voting process. Uh, and as many
said already, we already have an alternative to the Tif the
the bond program is a great idea. It moves us away from tip
dependence, and it doesn't rely on increased property
taxes. Now, the city is facing a budget deficit. And my
Alderman wants to be entrusted with a hundred million
dollars per year. Without a clear plan. It would be
irresponsible for this body to the divert, a 100 million
away per year away from the city's tax base. With that in
mind um with all that being said, I'm against the tip
expansion and I encourage members of the committee to do so
as well, especially considering, you know, the financial
deficit um, coming up here. So yes,
The next, the next speaker is annayas Ocampo.
Excuse me, excuse me.
Annayas, Ocampo.
and,
The name.
This translations.
My name is hananiah. So I live in a construction project
building I have always sold ice cream and candy and pills
and to survive
I have a humble home that offers me everything necessary to
live with my medical and physical condition.
Um, every elderly needs a humble home at a low cost like me
say yes to Tiff.
Thank you.
I want to acknowledge Alderman, Curtis Alderman, Cardona
and all the men Mosley have joined us and will be counted
towards Quorum. The last 3 speakers are Miguel sheikhoun.
Ralph ramundo and Elizabeth Flores in that order.
Um, my name is Miguel and I'm a resident of the 25th. Ward,
and my wife, and I are raising 3 kids in the city and we
love our neighborhood. But as you can imagine, having all
been sick shows. Our aldermen has been painful. He's the
most divisive Alderman on the council floor. He has
alienated just about everybody. Many of you, many police
commanders and department heads across the city. The
casualty of this combativeness is that it's pilson doesn't
get the resources that it deserves and why would, you know,
1 can trust Byron Alderman, siko knows how impossible it is
to work with him. You all know how impossible it is to work
with him. He's accused. All of you, of Corruption of racism
and being part of the viac 29, simply because you don't
agree with him. Now, imagine having you having him as our
aldermen and when it
Comes to Tiff pilson residents. Have spoken up at every
opportunity to say that they're opposed to it and yet they
don't want it. Then the will of the people should be
respected. If residents are uninformed, it's because Byron
has only himself to blame. He's had several years to
educate constituents, but has failed to do. So he has led
private meetings with hand-picked nonprofits who do good
work, but let's face it, they don't pay property taxes and
they don't represent everybody in the community to appease
residents also has made promises. He knows he can't keep
And he has um his oversight committee that he promises, it
just will have no real Authority on the function similar to
his zoning committee, which doesn't have any Authority,
doesn't meet publicly and doesn't let the residents know
what's going on.
he couldn't get 26 of his own colleagues, in this chamber,
to vote for him as zoning chair but somehow he's going to
change state law regarding tiffs and giving money to
residents for their roofs. And porches, we can see right
through this, the city has a billion dollar deficit, a
school system with a half a billion dollars shortage and a
mayor who wants to borrow money at payday loan rates, but
you have 3 billion dollars in a bank account, right now, in
Tif money. That's uncommitted. That can be can't be used.
when Alderman, when you all go back to your neighborhoods
and you tell them why taxes went up, you can't pretend that
you didn't that you're not responsible for this, you all
are, and I'll take my last 10 signs to say, please vote. No
on this, the residents of neighborhood, do not want it.
Thank you.
Royal raimondo.
Thank you for allowing me to share my testimony on behalf
of supporting the Tif Raul raimundo. I am a lifelong
resident of the pilson community. I'm also the co-founder
of the Resurrection project. Also alumni of Bonito, huarez,
high school. I have seen my community evolved. I have seen
my community, go through many changes and we are at the
cusp. Our community is going as at a Crossroads. It's
either through unchecked gentrification, we will lose the
Vitality, the character, and the culture of our community.
There has been many myths and many allegations about what
the Tif is and what it's not. I know that my colleagues who
may oppose it and colleagues are supported. We agree on 1
thing. We want a better Community for everyone in in in the
neighborhood that is some principle. We agree to that we
may disagree how we get there. We believe that the Tif will
allow us to provide the necessary resources that right now
are not available to the residential
Community and to the business Community, the reason we
cannot invest in Housing Programs to repair. The reason we
cannot invest in businesses to stay in the neighborhood is
because the current Tiff, it's only industrial use
residents need the resources, so that we can do more in the
neighborhood. There's a lot of politics that are going on.
You just heard the pre.
A speaker talked a lot about our local world. This is not
about politics. I asked my colleagues to join me to figure
out how do we hold accountable? Every single elected
official that represents our area so that the resources
that will be generated by the Tif are indeed used for the
purposes, like you heard our residents here, this morning,
more affordable housing and by the way, people have said
that nonprofits do not pay property taxes. That is false,
not profits. Pay significant property taxes, it will
continue to do. So as we develop more activities, more
Resource Centers, and the schools as well, to be able to
treat and increase enrollment in our schools. So we can
preserve the character of our community and the vitality.
The the last speaker is Liz Beth Flores. Excuse me EX
I would ask.
Thank you very much. We got various opinions on this.
Appreciate the uh, passion that. I feel in this room Miss
Flores. You're the last speaker. Hi, good morning everyone.
Uh, my name is Elizabeth Flores and I am here to ask the
finance committee to stop the stiffest expansion in py.
Taxi notes will only push long-term residents for our
beloved Barrio. Many are on a fixed income struggling with
more than 46% tax, Heights in recent years. Diverting
almost 1 billion dollars from our property. Taxes to expand
tick, Tif funding with no clear plan of action is scary and
irresponsible taking this money from our schools parks, and
Larry Library will hurt children. Like my 5-year-old son,
who attends Paris Elementary School. Quote from the Sun
Times, Tif districts often called Chicago's Shadow budgets,
don't directly. Raise taxes by divert Revenue away from
schools parks and other public services straining these
resources. None Tiff neighborhoods. Then carry a greater
burden on funding these Services. We need our elected
officials to work collaboratively in the best interest of
the community.
By working towards providing resources to our residents,
not by taxing us more and taking the resources from our
children. We need to receive good education bathrooms and
our public car parks on the weekend yesterday. My son had
an emergency cuz there was no open park at 1:00 in the
afternoon.
Don't text us more and take from our school parks and
libraries. Thank you for listening to my concerns. Let's
make it a wonderful day by working together for the best
city.
Thank you very much.
This concludes our public comment, period.
For the records. No I'm sorry ma'am our public comment
period is over with. I for the record I just want to uh
just say that we have had 16
16 people speak this morning from diverse perspectives on
different things. I just want that for the record. Okay,
um, I also want to, uh, say that the committee received
written public comments from over a 100 residents, and from
the pilson,
Pilson preservation Collective which includes over 25
Community organizations churches and small businesses, as
well as 24 Community stakeholders and leaders all in
support of the proposed amendment to the pills and Tiff.
The committee also received hundreds of letters in
opposition of the proposed pills and Tiff.
expansion from individuals impacted by the, uh, expansion,
expressing, their concerns about increased property, taxes,
displacement and diversion of much-needed resources from
school parks and other public services. Um, with that said,
we will move on to our monthly rule. 45 report. I want to
acknowledge that Alderman Beal has joined us and will be
counted towards Quorum and we will begin with the approval
of the July 2024, and August 2024 monthly rule, 45 report,
which was sent electronically to everyone. If there are no
questions, can I get a motion to recommend approval of the
monthly rule, 45 report, so moved by Alderman Mosley. All
those in favor of the motion signify by saying, I opposed
in the opinion of the chair, the eyes, have it and uh
before the committee this morning we have a number of items
on our agenda. Um, item number 1 with. Well let me just say
say I decided that I was going to try to put the
settlements first so that uh, you all could hear the
settlements because we have a tendency sometimes to move
out of this space, and I'd like to make sure we have a
quorum to hear all of our our settlements. So, we're going
to start with, um, a communication, transmitting reports of
cases in which verdicts judgments or settlements.
We're entered into for the month of July 2024, and August
2024. These reports were provided electronically to
everyone and if there are no objections, these reports will
be placed on file with the city clerk's office.
Um, this year, or this month, we'll hear from, uh, our loss
department of law on settlements. We have 5 proposed orders
authorizing Council to enter into and execute settlement
orders in the following case. The first case we'll hear
this morning item 2A is McClendon versus City of Chicago at
all. For the amount of $150,000. And with us, we have
Jessica felter Felker from the Department of Law,
Good morning Council.
This is a reverse conviction case or a lawsuit filed by
Shawn McClendon against the city and officers, Milo keshan,
Bryant McDermott, Robert male and Donald Smith.
Plaintiff alleges that he was wrongfully convicted of
unlawful possession of a firearm as a felon. He claims
malicious prosecution and Fabrication of evidence as well
as a monell claim against the city.
For the reasons, I will get into the Law Department,
recommends settlement for the price of 150,000.
On the evening of October 10th. 2014 officers, male and
McDermott responded to an office office report of gunfire
near 9900, South hoopsy, when they arrived, they saw a
plaintiff and his friend Emmanuel Poe back into a driveway
and turn off their lights.
The officers reported seeing the 2 Men hunker down in their
seats.
Plaintiff disputes that the officer got out of their car
and approached plaintiff and Poe the plaintiff and Poe
drove away.
The parties dispute whether they sped away, or they just
drove off officers, male and McDermott called for
assistance, a Cook County, Sheriff's Office,
Helicopter patrolling the area, identified, the car and
tracked, its roots.
Root. Excuse me. Eventually plaintiff and Poe arrived at
the rear of their friend Ken Ross's apartment. They parked
in a parking space behind the apartment, exited their
vehicle and walked up the back porch steps of the
apartment.
Several police cars arrived on the scene. The first police
car to enter the parking area was driven by officers keshan
and Smith approximately 45 seconds after plaintiff. And Poe
had arrived officer keshan, reported that he approached the
porch and saw McLendon place an object behind a couch on
Ross's back porch, officer keshan ordered plaintiff and Poe
to freeze and another officer recovered the gun behind the
couch. Plaintiff was arrested
And then officers male and mcdurmon arrived after that
arrest. Plaintiff alleges, that he was transported by
Officer male and that officer male made a comment to
indicate he was framing plaintiff.
and then, once at the station plaintiff, alleges that
officer Mel kept asking plaintiff to admit to owning the
gun,
According to officers male and McDermott, they jointly
processed plaintiff Anastasia, and plaintiff admitted that,
he possessed the gun.
Plaintiff was charged with being a felon in unlawful,
possession of a gun, a jury found plaintiff guilty in July
2006. His conviction, however, was overturned on appeal in
2022. After the Court ruled the officers lacked probable
cause to detain plaintiff on the porch before they saw the
gun and therefore, the gun, and the confession were
inadmissible against plaintiffs plaintiff has petitioned
for a certificate of Innocence, but that petition is still
pending plaintiff filed. The suit in 2022. He claims that
he was framed by the officers. He alleges that it was his
friend Ross, that who owned the gun and put it behind the
couch Ross. Testified to this, in his deposition Poe also
testified that he never saw a plaintiff with a gun.
Plaintiff. Argues that officer keshan, who was who he said,
uh, excuse me, officer keshan who had said that he saw a
plaintiff placed the gun behind. The couch plaintiff says,
his lying officer. Former officer keshan is the only
officer who said he saw this happen. Officer keshan.
However, testified at 1 point in the criminal proceedings,
that he saw plaintiff, run out of the car onto the porch,
yet the helicopter video shows that plaintiff and Poe were
already on the porch when off former officer keshan and
Smith arrived.
In the Years, following plaintiffs Comm con conviction
officer. Keshan was was convicted.
Officer, keshan was convicted and sentenced to 18 months in
federal prison for taking bribes.
Officer keshan was paid by an attorney referral service to
leak, confidential information about car, crash victims.
That conviction will likely be admissible against him in
the this case.
The Law Department recommends settling for 150,000.
The this number reflects the relevant strengths of our case.
And the fact that plaintiff recently plead guilty to being
felony, unlawful possession of a firearm stemming out of a
2023 arrest.
He was sentenced to 4 years in prison. The officers in the
city are represented by outside counsel and we would be
setting this case before costly expert. Discovery. In
summary judgement, briefing occurred going to trial would
cost hundreds of thousand dollars more in outside counsel
fees. And if we lost a trial of the city would be
responsible for likely hundreds of thousands of dollars in
plaintiffs attorneys fees. For these re reasons, we
recommend settlement,
Any questions from members of the city council.
Hearing no question or is there a motion to recommend
approval of item? Number 2, a
So moved by all Vice chair Conway, recommending due pass.
All those in favor signify by saying I opposed and the
opinion of the chair of the eyes, have it? Um, we'll move
on to item 2, B. Thank you, Jessica. We'll move on to item
2B Cheryl Han versus the city of Chicago and Felicia white
for the amount of dollars. We'll hear from, Deputy
Corporation Council, Margaret mendenhal Casey.
Thank you, chair. Good morning. Good morning, streets, and
sanitation, labor, Felicia white struck a pedestrian. In
the crosswalk. With the right of way The Pedestrian
sustained a broken wrist, the Department of Law,
recommends, settlement, in the amount of dollars,
On December 29th of 2021 at around. 3:30 p.m. the plaintiff
Cheryl Han was walking at Chicago Avenue in Rust Street.
She had the walk signal and cross Rush Street. Westbound at
the intersection in the crosswalk. At the same time, the
truck driven by streets in sanitation, employee Felicia,
white turned left onto Rush Street from Chicago and struck
the plaintiff.
An independent witness testified that the plaintiff had the
walk signal at the time of the accident, the plaintiff
claims that Felicia White's negligent, driving caused the
accident.
The plaintiff was transported by ambulance to the hospital
and diagnosed with a wrist fracture. She received surgery
in January of 2022 in which a metal plate and screws were
inserted. The plaintiff has a 3 to 4 inch skar soreness in
her wrist and approximately 100,000 dollars in medical
bills. If this matter were to proceed to trial, a jury,
could award damages for a past and future pain and
suffering past, and future loss of normal life past and
future emotional distress disfigurement and medical bills.
The Department of Law, therefore, recommends settlement in
the amount of dollars.
Thank you. Margaret. Are there any questions for members of
the city council?
Alderman Lopez.
Thank you, chair, and good morning, members of the
committee. I'm trying to find in our emails where we sent
the total of the streets and sanitation settlements here to
date.
Yes.
That was the mailed, uh, through the chair.
And what was that amount? I don't have the the figures in
front of me.
Okay.
What I think chairman.
Is probably warrants a a larger discussion as we mentioned
in the briefings, about some of the recurring settlements
that we're seeing from our departments. I know the police
gets the Lion Share of attention, but as we discussed, uh,
previously when it comes to matters of discipline when it
comes to matters of accountability, I think every
Department should be held uh, to a high regard and clearly
we know that streets and sanitation is falling short in
that department. Um, so I would just uh, recommend to my
colleagues that we look into this matter deeper and review,
what our email has, but also the policies associated with
accidents and incidents like this. Thank you. Thank you
Alderman Lopez. I'm always open to having further
discussion um, and
And after you've had a chance to look at the information
that was sent from you, if you want to have more
conversations, um, please contact me, Alderman, spaz, thank
you. Madam chair. Uh, I did talk to the commissioner about
this and I asked them to implement a a safe driving plan.
Not just, not just teaching the guys, how to use the
spreaders. I don't care if they're driving a pickup truck,
a car people in the city, don't know how to drive. I can
guarantee you half of the people in this room. Don't know
how to drive in here. So we all we all drive around and we
say look at the way this goof is driving or this idiot or
whatever all the time. So people don't know, just simple,
safe rules of driving. So I, I, I shared some things with
them and I asked them to come up with a plan to implement
some safe driving rules for their department. So, thank you
very much. Alright, and he was all open to it by the way,
so,
Hearing seeing no other questions, Alderman, laspada moves
to pass all those in favor. Signify by saying, I
Opposed and the opinion of the chair. Is the eyes have it?
The do pass, recommendation will be reported out at the
next city council meeting. I'm sorry, Alderman. OSHA, did I
miss you? Uh, no, chairman, I I think that maybe Nick
should teach a course on safe driving. I just like to watch
it.
All good kids, like milk, safe driving with goodies in the
back seat.
Um, the next case to see Wadi versus City of Chicago at all
for $500,000, uh, this will be reported out by Deputy
Corporation Council Victoria Benson and publicly Victoria.
We want to say to you, you're welcome back.
Thank you very much, shared much appreciated. Um, good
morning, everyone. Um, again, Victoria Benson from the
Uh, Mass TOs and complex litigation division. This is a
newly created division in the Law Department, which has
been created in part to address not only mitigation efforts
among City departments to reduce the city's potential for
liability. But also how the law Department's litigation
strategies impact, the city's potential for exposure
I'm here today to present the proposed settlement of Wadi
versus City of Chicago. This is a, um, lawsuit filed by
plaintiff. Alvin Wadi in the Circuit Court of Cook County
seeking to recover damages for the prosecution arising from
his April 4th 2017, arrest by Chicago police officers
assigned to a tactical team of which former Sergeant Ronald
Watts was the sergeant
Plaintiff alleged malicious prosecution and conspiracy
against the officers in the city.
Along with an indemnification claim against the city.
A lot apartment recommends, a settlement in this matter, in
the amount of thousand dollars.
Chicago police reports identify Alvin Jones and elsewhere
Smith as the arresting officers Ronald Watts as the
supervising approving sergeant in kholat Muhammad, Brian
Bolton, Robert Gonzalez. Douglas Nichols manual, leano and
lamb Monica Lewis as assisting arresting officers.
Officers, Jones and Smith are expected to testify that on
April, 4th 2007.
They were on a narcotic suppression Mission at the IBEW
Wells housing complex on the city's near southeast side.
As Jones approached the lobby, he saw plaintiff in another
individual. Germaine Mays holding, clear plastic bags
containing suspect narcotics, some of whom with while
standing at the, at the front of a line of people, some of
whom were holding money in their hands.
The officers detained plaintiff and Maze radioed for
enforcement officers and recovered. Suspect narcotics and
cache from both plaintiff and Mays.
both individuals were then arrested plaintiff was charged
with 2, felony counts of possessing cocaine with intent to
deliver
On August 6th, 2007, plaintiff, pled guilty to A reduced
charge of possession with the sentence of 3 years in the
Illinois Department of Corrections.
In 2012, Ronald watts and kholat. Muhammad were indicted on
federal charges of theft of government funds. Resulting
from a sting operation, that occurred during a joint
investigation undertaken by the FBI and the Chicago Police
Department's Internal Affairs division.
Both Watson Muhammad's later, pled guilty to those charges
and both sir sentences in federal prison.
In 2017 plaintiff signed an affidavit stating that at the
time of his arrest. He did not possess narcotics and that
the officers falsely attributed the drugs to him.
Plain of asserts that he was not doing anything illegal
when he was arrested on April, 4th 2007.
According to Plaintiff, he and his girlfriend were in the
lobby of the 574 building of the idb wells housing complex,
along with at least 30 other people.
at some point, former Sergeant Watson and his team under
the lobby and began searching everyone inside
Plaintiff alleges that. The officers did not find any
narcotics on him. Instead, he claims that while searching
the lobby area Smith announced that he'd found suspect
narcotics. Held them up and grabbed maze who was standing
near with the narcotics were found.
Smith then announced that the drugs belong to maze.
However, according to Plaintiff is maze, was being arrested
by Smith officer Gonzales approached plaintiff and said
that the narcotics belong to Plaintiff as well.
Plaintiff's. 2017 affidavit was submitted to the Cook
County. State's Attorney's offices, conviction, Integrity
unit,
Which reviewed plaintiff's case and agreed to move to
vacate his conviction.
Plan. His conviction was vacated on februari 11th, 2019 and
on March 18th, 2019. He was granted a certificate of
Innocence.
In total plaintiffs spent 394 days in custody, before he
was released on parole on May 1st 2008.
While on parole plaintiff was arrested by officers Muhammad
and lyanna on another drug charge.
His parole was then revoked and he spent another 70 days in
custody under his conviction for the April, 4th 2007
arrest.
Given the risks associated with proceeding to trial in this
case, we recommend settling this matter for 500 dollars.
Thank you. Uh,
Very much. Uh, Victoria any questions from?
My colleagues on this Alderman, vagus.
Thank you uh, Madam chair.
um, when the gentleman was arrested the second time was he
Was he found guilty or he was not convicted. Convicted in
that instance, it was found that the, uh, after testing the
narcotics or the suspect narcotics, uh, turned out to not
actually be a controlled substance, got you? And this is
associated with the Watts.
Former Sergeant. Ronald Lots. Yes.
How many of these Watts cases do we still have including
this case? Um, there are 183
so this is a big concern because I think as we're talking
about a deficit of nearly a billion dollars in 2025, we're
not, we're missing the elephant in the room, which is
wrongful convictions that are potentially going to, we're
going to have to pay out.
um and given the recent 50 million judgment, but the 5
million dollar per year settlement in accordance with the
jury gives me pause because if we're talking about 200
potential cases, between Birds
Um, gavara and Watts that's upwards of 10 billion dollars.
If you take the 200 times, the 5 million,
and so,
as we're
I mean, this is, I don't know what the plan is here,
continue to come back to fee to finance committee and the
council to get to get some type of settlements. I'm trying
to figure out like, what's the plan?
But the plan is I'm concerned, I'm concerned about the
insurance companies that are currently covering the city
and the liability, I'm sure they're looking at this as
well. So we got to find out what the plan is moving
forward, to figure out how to minimize the risk, figure out
how outside council is going to help us fix some of these
cases. Um, because right now the outside outside
council's not doing a very good job if they're losing 85% of
of the cases, and we're paying them for the last, over 10
years of 150 million in in fees.
so,
um,
I've put forward a resolution around hearings Madam chair.
I'd love to see if we can convene a smaller group to talk
about this because
this is a potential 10 billion liability. Given the fact
that the jury has uh, has uh, uh, has settled on 5 million
per year.
that being said, um,
I don't know what the plan is and how
well, it's tracked that
I just like to see if there's an opportunity to get some
type of working group around this because there's a lot of
cases that that have not come before this Council. And
we've got to figure out what we're going to do to make sure
that we can anticipate the revenue that needs to be
generated. Thank you. Thank you all understood and um,
partially in response to your inquiry here. As I mentioned,
uh, some of the concerns that you're discussing in raising
are in part what led to the creation of this division. And
is certainly something that is um on the minds of the law
department and certainly something that we're working to
address those concerns.
Can, can you be a little more specific about maybe
approaches that you're thinking about?
Some of those approaches may be at this point uh work
product privilege. But it is something that um perhaps even
in future briefings or other discussions. I'm happy to
engage in those discussions with you.
Alderman, viegas, Madam chair. Not just me. I'm, I'm 1 vote
on this Council. And I'd love to see, uh, under the
leadership of, uh, chairwoman Dao convene a group. So we
can talk about this because again, I'm concerned that, um,
insurance companies are looking at us, um, and there's,
there's nothing prohibiting them from saying, we'll ensure
you but we're not going to ensure these 3. These 3 officers
that that are uh, have been um that have put so much, too
many cases in front of the city. So if we can get a working
group around this, I would appreciate it. Understood
Uh, thank you Alderman. Viegas I, I think that that's, uh,
appropriate request, uh, also to get a better understanding
of the risk management um, role that Corporation Council
has. Uh
seen fit to create, um,
so I heard you Alderman, laspata followed by
Alderman, suture Lopez.
I'm sorry Alderman. Laspada, Alderman Vasquez, then
Alderman sichel open.
Thank you so much, Char. I'll say it now because it's a bit
bit overarching and nuts, particularly specific to this
settlement. But I will say, uh, for the benefit of the
public, if it ever seems like our relative silence,
Communicates a dispassion or disinterest, the public should
know, as I believe that they do that. All of us have the
opportunity to attend briefings on these settlements prior
to this committee meeting the information that we received
at those briefings.
Often confidential informs the votes that we are taking
today. So I just want something. I think it's helpful for
the public to know that in terms of the number of cases
that we're talking about it.
It is difficult. We didn't even talk about the the we're
going to talk about this. Budo case the outstanding cases
related to that officer.
It is a hard thing to be voting on matters that happened.
When you're 10 years when you were 10 years old, which is
the, the case for me with that case.
they all arguably stem from
a culture within the Chicago Police district, Department
that existed for
um, a long time prior to a lot of us being here when I think
about what the plan is around that
The plan looks to me a lot like the consent decree. The
plan looks a lot like the community Commission on public
safety and accountability to me. The plan looks like all
the ways that we are changing.
Culture and actions to ensure more responsible behavior
that leads to less misconduct. That leads to fewer
settlements, like, we're talking about today, which is why.
I'm, I believe, the work we do is just a small part of this
broader overarching effort that I think is going to lead
towards
a healthier more trusting relationship between the public
and the police department and in the meantime
We do the work that we do based off of actions that have
been taken. Thank you chair. Thank you Alderman Vasquez.
Uh, thank you very much, Madam chair. Um, I really
appreciate. Uh, my colleagues comments. Uh, especially, uh,
other, uh, person vagus. I think we've had a lot of these
conversations related to the settlements. Um, there's also
been an oig report about wristlet, um, risk mitigation
strategies and like the data being collected by Department
of Law. And so, I know the Department of Law is working on
some of that information CPD as well, trying to make sure
we have better tracking on a lot of incidents. I was
literally just walking here this morning and saw actually
the cover of the Chicago Reader. Uh, the story is what
happens if cops lie that there's about over a hundred
officers who
Either giving misleading information or lie that aren't even
on the State's Attorney's. Radial list of people not to
use, uh, for any, like, um, for testifying when it comes to
cases. So I would, if there is a working group to be put
together, I'd like to be a part of it as well. Um, not just
to discuss what the what we're doing as far as Council,
right? Because we do use outside counsel for a lot of it
but also what's the data on when officers aren't telling
the truth, what happens in those cases? Because although
we're talking about a couple officers of note, or no longer
officers that we know what and others it doesn't mean that
that isn't currently happening or could not be currently
happening with other president officers who aren't the
majority of the officers that do great work but still could
exist to a point that's leading to more misconduct cases
more settlements and clearly affecting us, uh, from a
fiscal standpoint. So I think we should put together some
sort of, um, working group or task force. That's charged,
not only with looking at what department of law is doing
but what we're looking at, as far as CPD to make sure we
got the tracking and auditing for like um, really the
processes to make sure that they're effective. And then
when people who should never be officers in the first place
because they're putting the profession to shame do so that
they're being removed swiftly. Um, so yeah, I just wanted
to add my uh, name to those conversations. I think it's
necessary. I think when we think about the deficits we're
looking at over hundred million dollars a year on
misconduct cases some of our colleagues who say why are we
settling? Let's take it to court to then lose uh and have
to pay off $50 million. We could make better decisions that
are based on data and so I'd like to be a part of that. Um,
that's all I got. Thank you chairwoman. Okay, thank you
just to be clear. That 50 million case did not come before
us. Yeah, yeah, thank you. Um, Alderman. CEO Lopez. Thank
you. Cheer women and I think Allah already um, mentioned
this. But just for the sake of clarity, um, to me, I think
the plan is clear. I think the implementing the consent
decree to limit future liabilities is what we need to be
working on. I just want to get maybe a reaction, um, and
also
Collaborating with other um other committees and for 1,
really concerned. I think many members of the council were
concerned about a proud boys and Oath Keepers within the
Chicago. Police Department that I think represent a good
number of these liabilities, that represent a huge risk for
the not only city council, but but for the public, so I
think that I will urge city council members uh, to take
action on making sure that we do not have this kind of
elements that are we seeing other states represent a huge
liability. Not only
Before the city of Chicago and taxpayers. But I do think um,
um, for what we said as a president in other Council. So I
don't know if there's a response but I love, I look forward
to working together. We had a hearing unfortunately,
nothing came out of it, and I expect that we take Swift
action, to make sure that public servants are doing the
work of the public. Thank you.
Thank you Alderman. Vice chair Conway. Yeah. Uh yes. Um
Uh Madam chairwoman I I would say that I would certainly
welcome, uh, any conversation on risk management. And I had
a, uh, certainly had conversations in the settlement
briefings with, with Miss Benson, and welcome back to the
city and excited for you to, uh, to lead that effort. I
would also say that, uh, as someone who was a prosecutor in
this town for 7 years, I had the pleasure of working with
thousands of wonderful police officers at the, Chicago
Police Department. But I also, um, unlike anyone in this
chamber, I charge tried and convicted 3 of them as well. So
recognize, uh, both sides of that I would say with regard
to the, to the case at hand. Now, you know, we have uh
Sergeant Watts was a was a Narcotics Sergeant. So the
amount of sentences are not going to be as long as they
would be in the in the um,
Uh, in the case of the budro cases and others. And when you
have, when you're dealing with wrongful convictions of
murders, not to not to uh, denigrate the victims in those
matters at all, but it will change the calculus on the
settlements, of course. Uh, but the case at Bay, um,
and and please correct me Miss Spencer if I'm wrong. But
Mr. Uh,
Uh Mr. Wadi, spent 3 years in in prisons, a result of this
and as a 00000 settlement based on the the data we have
before us. It's certainly seems uh, seems like a reasonable
reasonable 1 here. So therefore, I would, I would make a
move to pass. Unless there's any part of the record that
needs correcting on. That, just 1, quick correction, in
terms of the timing, his um, his sentence was 3 years. He
only served, um, 394 days and then an extra 70 for the pro
violation. All right, so we got day for day credit
essentially as, as, uh, State convicted do so with that,
I'd move to pass motion made by by Sher Conway,
recommending, do pass for this item. All those in favor.
Signify by saying, I I opposed and the opinion of the
chair, the eyes have it, and the do pass recommendation,
but this matter will be reported out at our next city
council meeting our last, um,
Settlement.
Is actually next to the last is going to be presented by
Carolyn fronek ligins versus City of Chicago at all for 2.5
million.
Um, good, good afternoon. This is the case of lions versus
City of Chicago. It's presently pending in the US District
Court for the northern district of Illinois on septembar,
30th of 2008, 2. Men attempted to rob, a convenience store
on Chicago's West Side. A struggle ensued in 1 of the men,
shot and killed a store clerk 2. Eyewitnesses implicated
the plaintiff, Michael ligins in the murder plaintiff was
charged with murder and subsequently acquitted. After
spending 5 years in custody plaintiff, brings federal
constitutional claims on unlawful pre-trial detention
conspiracy, failure to intervene and Illinois state, law
claims of malicious prosecution and intentional. Infliction
of emotional distress against the city of Chicago and 2.
Chicago police detectives who are now sergeants um, Russell
Egan and Vincent Alonso. The law department is recommending
settling this case for 2.5 million dollars which would be
inclusive, attorneys fees and costs.
On september 20th of 2008 2 Men using hoods to hide their
faces attempted to rob. The Ramos grocery store on
Chicago's West Side. During the robbery 1 of the men shot
and killed the store clerk. The identity of the 1 of the
men has never been established the parties dispute, the
identity of the other individual defendants, assert the
plaintiff was involved in the in the murder plaintiff
consents he was not present and had nothing to do with the
Shooting at the time of the murder detectives Egan and
Alonso were Chicago. Police detectives they assisted with
the investigation initially in 2008, but they were not the
lead detectives, they became the lead detectives in 2014
when the investigation was assigned to them by a sergeant
who was attempting to close out old cases. Now during the
initial investigation of the murder in 2008, CPD detectives
and officers. Spoke with several individuals, who
purportedly witnessed the crime 1 of those individuals was
identified as Mr. Rough, who told investigators that he was
sitting outside the store at the time of the incident. When
he saw 2, Men run out of the store and flee the scene. Mr.
Rough claims to have heard 1 of the offenders say, get my
phone. I dropped my phone Mr. Rough described. The 2, Men
as being 5 foot 9 and 5 foot 11 inches in height. He
testified in his deposition that unknown, Chicago police
officers, showed him a photo array, um, but that he could
not identify anyone, another individual that claims to have
been present was Mr. Abdul J.
According to him, the victim of the offense, told the man
to put down the gun and he grabbed the man in a bear hug.
Mr. Abdul Jabbar. Then heard a gunshot. He indicated the
gunman was 5 foot 9 inches tall. However, he could not
identify in any 1 in a photo array 2 days after the murder
detectives Alonso. Negan interviewed Jacob Tolbert, who was
in custody for an unrelated crime, Mr. Tolbert, told the
detectives that he was in the store during the shooting and
reported that plaintiff.
Mr. Ligon shot Tucker.
To Tolbert also viewed a photo array and identified plane
of as a shooter according to the plane of and corroborated
by police records. Egan and Alonso pulled up a photo. Array
containing plaintiff's. Photograph as much as an hour
before they interviewed Mr. Tolbert or would have had any
known known anything about plaintiffs. Alleged involvement
in the incident that fact is corroborated by police
records. It is unclear. How off detectives Egan and Alonso,
determine that plane of might be the individual identified
by Tolbert because he was identified simply as Mike and
using, uh, search records. We cannot computer search
records. We cannot determine how they reach that
conclusion. The detectives assert that they were providing
estimations of time in their report and those estimations
are possibly in inaccurate and that given the passage of
time. They ultimately do not know how they are able to link
the plaintiff to uh, the individual that was put in the
photo array Tolbert, later denied, that he was ever present
at the scene of the crime and plaintiff claimed.
Egan and Alonso coerced him into implicating plaintiff in
the shooting.
In April of 2014 uh Eagan on Allan's Awards, signed to
reinvestigate. And this time they all they interviewed
Ronald rough again Mr. Rough identified plane. If is 1 of
the men. He saw fleeing the shore store.
Mr. Rough spoke again to Eagan, Alonso with an assistant,
State's Attorney who reduced his statement to a written
statement, which he signed he indicated that both men. He
saw enter the grocery store were shorter than he was Mr.
Rough is 5 foot 11, according to police records plaintiff
is actually 6 foot 3 at all relevant times, which is 4
inches taller than plaintiff. Mr. Rough also viewed a live
lineup that included plaintiffs, along with other
individuals who were all seated, due to Plaintiff being
taller than the others Mr. Rough identified plaintiff, as 1
of the individuals, he saw running out of the grocery store
on septembar, 20th of 2008 and plaintiffs claims that
plaintiff dropped his cell phone. At the time, he was
fleeing
Uh Mr. Tolbert. Who was interviewed again in 2014 again? Um
Uh, implicated plaintiff in the shooting. However, he later
denied that he voluntarily implicated plaintiff, and he
maintained the detective's course to statements in 2008.
And in 2014 that plaintiff was involved in the Tucker,
killing murder charges against plaintiff for Approved. Um,
and then Mr. Rough, again in the criminal trial identified
plaintiff is 1 of the men. He saw running. However, Mr.
Tolbert recanted his testimony
implicating plaintiff and testify that he had no knowledge
of the murder or of plaintiffs involvement in it and that
his statements were coerced
the Law Department, recommends settling this case for 2.5
million, the plaintiff is seeking damages in connection
with the 5 years of pre-trial detention, which include his
emotional pain and suffering, for his loss of Liberty.
During his time in jail, plaintiff missed the birth of his
son and subsequent birthdays, and alleged to have witnessed
various criminal acts while in jail, he claims that he is
forever damaged by the laws of the 5 years of life that
he's been in custody and seeks compensatory and punitive
damages against the officers in this case given, um, that
the ca the plaintiff could seek anywhere from 1 to 2
million dollars per year, plus attorney's, fees following a
verdict. If they were successful, in this case, the Law
Department recommends 2.5, million dollars to settle this
case as to effectively limit our exposure.
Thank You, Caroline.
Any questions from Alderman, Vice chair Conway. Yeah. Um I
certainly recognize the evidentiary issues in this case, I
just can't remember. Did was there a, uh, or a missed? Was
there a certificate of Innocence issued here on this? No,
he was acquitted. Oh, oh, that's right. Okay, that's I
mean, I think I asked the exact same question, the
briefing. Sorry about that. That's all I have Madam
chairwoman. Thank you. Uh, any other questions?
Can I get a motion to recommend approval?
Uh, so moved by Alderman, Wagers back, recommending, due
pass, all those in favor of the motion signify by saying, I
opposed in the opinion of the chair of the eyes have it.
And the do pass, recommendation will be reported out at the
next city, council meeting, Alderman Talya. Ferro, I have
counted you towards Quorum for the finance committee
meeting
Madam Madam chair. Yes, Alderman. Ervin. I
No no no. I was I was trying to ask a question. I didn't
want to interrupt you but, uh, just on on that last matter.
What is the status of the officer's uh, that uh,
participated in that uh, in that issue in the last.
In the ligins case, we just discussed Alderman, Ervin.
Alderman, Ervin, are you talking about this case?
The it on, I'm sorry.
The Lis case.
Yes ma'am, yes. Okay, both of those um detect are officers
Egan and Alonso are still employed with CPD and they are in
the detective division.
Is there any discipline or anything? Um happening with this
in relation to what would transpire
Um, so my understanding is that um Copa pursuant to the fop
contract does not investigate cases where the allegations
are 5 years old.
But I would you would need Copa to actually answer that
question.
I don't believe that any discipline was imposed in this
case.
There was never an investigation done by anybody on this.
Right? Because the alleged, um, incident was over 5 years
old.
Okay, I'll follow up with you guys offline on that, then,
okay?
Thank you. Thank you. Madam chair.
Thank you. We'll go to our last case which
Is Jake versus budro.
In the amount of 11.6 million and we're joined by Jessica
Felker to give us the information on this case.
Good afternoon. Uh I here to present Anthony Jake versus
the city of Chicago. Number 19, seavey 22204 and the Law
Department. In this case, recommends settlement for 11
4 million or 11.6 million dollars. Excuse me. Uh, Anthony
Jake's filed, this reverse conviction, lawsuit, claiming
that he was framed of the 1999. 1991.
Armed robbery and murder of Rafael Garcia. Jake was
convicted in 1994. After a jury trial and was and completed
his prison sentence in 2012. He spent a total of 21 years
in custody, Jake continued to challenge his conviction,
after his release. And in 2018, the state agreed to drop
its opposition to Jake's post conviction petition and
dismissed the charges in 2019. Jake's received a
certificate of Innocence, which the state did not oppose.
This suit was filed in 2019 following summary judgement.
The only remaining defendants in this case are detective.
Kenneth Pedro and D de deceased detective, Michael Kil,
Based on the risks associated with taking this matter to
trial and to limit the city's exposure, the Law Department,
recommends settling this case, for a total of 11.6 million
dollars.
The underlying crime occurred when at 11:55 p.m. on
septembar. 5th 1991. Rafael Garcia was fatally shot in
front of 1208 West, 51st Street and Anonymous, witness told
officers that the intended target was a, nah man named
snake. Who was a passenger in the victim's car at the time
of the shooting detective, budro knew from other
investigations that snake was Gus Robinson. This witness
also reported that the shooter was a black male named
Thomas.
Who was sent by a dope dealer named Troy.
There was no evidence that any officer followed up on this
Thomas, Troy lead the next day. Jake was brought into Area
3 for questioning pursuant to a second anonymous tip that
Jake had information about the murder Jake was 15 years old
at the time and he was questioned by detectives bro and
kill without first notifying Jake's guardian or a youth
officer is required by Department policy. Jake's claim to
have an alibi for the murder. He said he was in front of
his aunt. Jesse, Mays, Jones's, 2 flat with his cousins and
his friends. Detective budro and kill elected or located.
Snake AKA Gus Robinson who agreed to return to Area 3 with
the detectives for an interview Robinson told, the
detectives that Jake's approached him at about 11:50 p.m.
and asked if he would act as a lookout while they Jake's
Arnold day and his friend robbed, a man.
though Robinson has never recanted a statement and has never
accused kill or bro of mistreating him he invoked his Fifth
Amendment right to silence at his deposition and refused to
answer any questions about the crime or his statement.
After talking to Robinson budro, and kill interviewed Jake,
again, without a legal guardian or a youth officer Jake's
alleges, that kills slapped him, threatened to push him out
a window, burnt him with a cigarette, not him on the floor,
kicked him and stopped him on his back and threatened
Jake's family. All while budro watched and failed to
intervene.
Jake. Also alleges that kill told him that if he
cooperated, he could go home that night.
At 4:30 a.m. on september 17th. 1991, after 16 hours in
custody Jake gave a handwritten statement to an assistant
State's Attorney. Admitting that. He was a lookout for the
Garcia murder while Anthony day and another friend robbed
in shock Garcia.
Jake was arrested and charged with the Garcia's homicide.
In february 1992, budro, located day, who had been
implicated by Jake in question day about the Garcia murder
and another murder day. Then gave a handwritten statement
to felony review, ASA, confessing to the Garcia murder. The
statement does not mention Jake's or anyone else as having
assisted or participated in the crime. In other words, day
Took sole responsibility for the Garcia murder day has
since alleged, however, that budro coerced him into
confessing to that murder.
Jake and day were tried in a single trial, but before
separate juries on september 9th, 1993, the state presented
evidence of Jake's confession testimony from snake. That
Jake had asked him to be a lookout and rebutted claims by
Jake that he was physically injured by detectives kill and
budro.
Jake's was convicted day, however, who had 2 Alibi
Witnesses and alleged in front of his jury that his
confession was coerced through. Abuse was acquitted.
In June 2011, Jake's file a claim before the Illinois
torture and inquiry commission alleging that he was abused
by kill during his interrogation. While budro watched the
commission found other allegations of abuse credible
against both officers primarily based on abuse allegations
from other cases against kill and budro.
On April 20th or excuse me, April 30th 2018, the state
submitted an agreed order vacating the convictions and
dropping all charges against Jake on februari, 15th. 2019
Jake's filed a petition for a certificate of innocence and
the state did not participate in the proceedings. The court
granted Jake's petition.
Jake's Jake's primary claim. In this case is that his
confession was coerced. We expect Jake to argue at trial
that kill and budro took advantage of his youth again. He
was 15 and physically and psychologically coerced him over
16 hours into confessing despite knowing Jake was not
involved. Jake's will argue that budro and kill failed to
follow up on an obvious alternative. Suspect that all the
information he received regarding the crime was either fed
to him by kill or bro, and Jake will present evidence of
others who have alleged that udro or kill who horse them.
The Law Department, recommends settling this case, for 11.6
million. If settlement is not authorized the parties will
proceed to trial. If Jake succeeds, he would be entitled to
his attorney's fees, which would likely be in the range of
4 million for these reasons. The Law Department recommends
settlement for 11.6 million
happy to take any questions. Thank you, Jessica.
Any questions from alderman, viegas?
Thank you, madam chair. Um, so the 2 officers you said Hill
and budro kill. Kill kill mro. Um
Are we looking at another pattern here? Regard, similar to
Watson cavara. Um, around
Potential wrongful convictions.
Uh Mr. Budro has been named in many cases. Um there are 6
remaining against him, we've settled uh I believe 6 in the
last year, okay? So there's only 6 remaining for budro,
correct, right. So then that's
What's?
now, we had budro gavara and, um,
and Burge. Okay.
Um again this just speaks to the fact that we got to get a
plan here. Um
Okay, thank you. Thank you, sorry. Um, we we do have plans
and I'm happy to speak to you in the working group, um,
about what our plans are. We don't publicly talk about
litigation strategy.
Yes, Alderman vgas, Madam chair. I I appreciate that. And
I'm looking forward to those discussions. Um, and I hope
some of the discussions speaks about the outside Council
that we've spent 150 million dollars on over the last 10
years to receive a 15% win rate.
It wasn't a 15% win rate in The Last 5 Years, they've won
28%, we've settled 61%. So I would disagree with that
number.
although I will say that, I know that our Corp council is
looking at, uh, outside counsel and in a smaller setting,
perhaps we can discuss that all the vice chair Conway.
you know, as we look at precedent here on these cases, it
is um,
I mean, once the certificate of Innocence has been issued
pretty much our liability is impossible to to fight that.
Um, maybe not impossible, okay? But it would be very
difficult. And, and in the case at bar,
You may recall. We had a case a year ago, involving
detective budro, the plaintiffs were hood and Washington
certificate of ananse issued, 34 years in in, in in, uh, in
prison. And we and we authorized the settlement of 25
million dollars which in
cold dollars and cents with 735 thousand dollars a year
here in this 1. Um,
21 years, you're looking at 11.6 million is about 550 a
year. So all things considered if we're kind of trying to
manage our risk here, this seems like a, this seems like a,
a reasonable amount and would would move to pass, unless
there's other questions.
Hey, any other questions? Uh uh there's been a motion to
recommend approval of item number 2E by by Cher Conway,
Alderman, mitts Madame chairman. I would like to request
for rule 14, uh, on this matter. Um, as um,
The plaint is related to me.
Uh, all, uh, chairman Mitch, you're gonna have to State a
reason for your recusal recusal. I guess he was related to
me related to you, okay? Yes, thank you. And be specific.
Is my nephew.
Thank you. Thank you.
um all those in favor of the motion signify by saying, I I
opposed and the opinion of the chair, the eyes have it, the
due pass recommendation will be reported out with Alderman
mitts recusal at the next uh city council meeting. Thank
you.
Now we'll move on to item number 3 uh from the Department
of Housing. It's an ordinance concerning, the issuance of a
financial assistance and execution of a tiff Redevelopment
agreement to care manner. 1 LP for the care manner,
affordable housing project located at 4531 through 4533 and
4549 through 55 West Washington, Boulevard in the 28th
Ward.
We're joined by Michelle Pinar.
Financial planning analyst from the Department of Housing.
Brian, can you?
Oh, okay.
There you go.
He needs help to advance it.
I don't make it into like the full screen.
Or do I need to? I don't need to.
Write, thank you.
Good afternoon. Um, for the record, my name is Michelle
Pinar and I'm a financial planning analyst with the
Department of Housing
today, I'm presenting care manner, which will be located at
45531 to, to 55 West Washington, Boulevard, located in the
West Garfield Park Community Alderman. Ervin of the 20th,
Ward has provided a letter of support. And this development
is located in the Madison Austin, TIF district.
Okay. Um, United for Better Living also known as ubl. Um,
is the first time housing developer ubl? Chicago has been
operating as a non-for-profit. 511 C3 organization since
1983 located within the West Garfield Park Community and
Chicago's West Side ubl, has served the West Side residents
for nearly 30 years.
Ubl has a community center across the street from the Care
Manor site. Ebl provides a utility. Assistance program, GED
classes computer training Dress for Success programs. A
satellite office for nonprofit Legal Services, Youth Of
Violence, prevention drug-free, Community programs and
services and then monthly food giveaway programs.
The architect for this project is Triad Consortium. The
attorney is Miller Ferguson and the contractor is GMA.
The property will be managed by 5T management.
And the consultant of the project is 1600 invest Investment
Group, the developer architect attorney, general contractor
property manager and consultant are all bipac MBE
businesses.
Care manner will be a newly constructed 3-level walk-up
building that will contain 1 1 bedroom, 29 2-bedroom 143
bedroom.
Um units for a total of 44 units. Once completed, all 44
units, will be tax credit eligible and all 44 units will be
targeted to households at or below at the 60% area median
income.
There will be 2 units. Receiving subsidies from the Chicago
loan low income. Housing trust fund also known as Cliff
units and rent it at or below the 30%. 100% of the units
will be adaptable and 50% of the units will be accessible
to units with individuals with physical disabilities.
Building amenities will include on-site laundry. The
project will have 21 on site parking spaces and Street
front parking unit sizes will range from 1-bedroom up to 3
bedrooms with square footage raging from 900 to 10 square
feet for the 1-bedroom 10 1/40 square ft for 2 bedrooms and
1,307 for the 3-bedroom units.
The project is located within ma Madison Austin Corridor
TIF district and there will be 1.5 full-time permanent jobs
created by the development.
uh, building engineer and um, full-time in building
engineer, and a janitor, which will be part-time
There will be approximately 150, construction jobs, created
to complete the construction of the building.
Unit, mix and size again. There will be 1 1 bedroom 29 2
bedrooms and 14 3-bedroom units of the 44 units. There will
be 1 1 bedroom at 30%, Ami and 1 2-bedroom at 15% Emi. That
will receive the subsidy through Chicago low-income housing
trust fund.
5 units will be rented at 50. 50%. Ami, and 37 units will
be rented at 60% Ami.
On to financing.
The total development cost is approximately 31.6 million
and per unit cost of 719 thousand.
City will be providing up to 10 million in, Tiff up to 9.7
million.
Up to 9. 7 5.
99572. I don't know why I did it. That way 1.9 million in
4% bonds, which will generate approximately 9.7 million in
the tax credit equity.
Um construction costs, a total of 20 22 million in
construction costs, construction contingency 1.1, million
soft costs of 6.4 million and a deferred developer fee of
1.6 million.
Um, make up the uses.
again, the project is located in Masten medicine, Austin
Corridor and um which consists of 3 different Wards
Alderman, Ervin, and the 28th Ward, which was the majority
Aaliyah farro and the 29th. Ward, and all the women Mets in
the 37th. Ward medicine often to Medicine, Austin, TIF
district expires in 2035,
And this slide shows the area map, um, the upper left hand
corner shows the different Parcels, the yellow are, the
developer owned parcels. And the 2 in red are the city on
the parcels.
The bottom left is the current image of the vacant land
where the development will be built.
These are the current renderings.
And then our requested action today for finance committee.
Is the approval of to issue up to 10 million in Tif funds.
The approval to issue up to 9. 7, 5.
convey, the 2 City owned Parcels located at 4531 and 4533,
West Washington to the development for 1 dollar each. And
then to designate care manner, 1 LP United for Better
Living Inc, NFP, and its Affiliates as the developer of the
Tif funds.
Thank you, Michelle. Uh, questions from members of the
committee alderman laspada.
Thank you very much cheer woman. Thank you very much for
the presentation.
Feels like a great project. Great to see that many
3-bedroom units in an affordable development. Great to see
the 30% Ami units.
I was just briefly curious, could you go back to the
sources and uses slide?
to see a development was such an arguably negligible land
acquisition cost was so interesting is that only reflective
of the the city-owned Lots or no that's um covers the
developers slots that they have. They're um,
The relatively inexpensive that's fascinating, they've had
them for quite a quite a long time.
but,
It it says broader broader conversations to be had about
what that says for.
Investment in the city.
But I'll save those thoughts to my to myself for right now.
Yes, very much so yes, thank you chair. Thank you,
Alderman. Lpat Alderman Lopez.
Thank you. Chairman. Um and again good afternoon members of
the committee. I have a question.
719,000 per unit, that's per apartment.
And all of these are 3-bedroom apartments. Nope, there's a
mix.
so,
what exactly costs 7000000000 for a 3-bedroom or less
because that's bigger than that's more expensive than most
Houses.
On the southwest side, Northwest Side downtown.
Um, it's just an astronomical price point for me to
understand.
Well, construction materials are very expensive still. We
haven't caught up after the pandemic and the shortages and
then interest rates are still very high.
um they are coming down but they're not coming down fast
enough to impact this project but this is not an outlier
price point.
It is not an outlier. So then,
Everything you just said is not necessarily the sole
reason. So
how is it that? It's that much money.
Because if you're going to say the that's the average, I'm
assuming per unit cost, correct?
Yeah, it's the average and how many units are there?
44 units. So what would be the breakdown of the unit cost
for the 1-bedroom?
I don't have that information, I can get it to you. Um it's
just the average, the total price divided by 44.
And as we've done these before, and we'll undoubtedly do
again with a few more that we have coming up here.
Has there ever been any review to see if the expense and
the dollars that were allocating with? Such an exorbitant
price point matches construction? Because if this were, in
fact, a
For-profit Construction.
I'm more than certain it would not be 720,000 for an average
apartment unit.
City or our Department of Housing. I'm not, I'm not
management or Deputy or anything like that, but
All of the projects are higher lately. We have City
requirements that push the costs up and the Department of
Housing has requirements for construction that pushed the
cost up as well.
but you are not the so
The point is that whatever your costs are both for profit
and not for profit affordable or otherwise all have to deal
with the same thing, correct.
We we could we could we could agree to that part, right.
That regardless how you, what your motivator is, you still
have to abide by the same rules as everybody.
But somehow we see scenarios where we're paying double
almost triple. What it would cost to build the exact same
thing from our not for-profit or from our affordable
housing partners.
Which would beg 1 to believe that we are not getting what
we're paying for.
Point of clarification Alderman Vasquez.
Thank you, madam chair. Um, you mentioned that there are
additional requirements that the Department of Housing has
that are driving the cost up. Would you be able to to the
best of your ability to explain, what some of those
requirements might be?
I don't know if it's necessarily driving the cost up, but
it's we have we want to build safe and sanitary and good
housing.
We're using the city funding so we go in and we check it
out, but again.
So if if for the clarification if through the chair that
could be provided. Yes, because I think to answer my
colleagues questions. Yes. Um, seen a difference. So yeah.
Uh, Tamara Collins, who is the managing Deputy of the
department has been before us before and has explained. Um,
why we see the cost per unit going up so high. I don't
recall all of her answer, but I'm certainly willing to the
chair to get a written response on what those reasons are.
Some of it is related to um supply chain issues and the cost
cost of construction. But there were some other things that
she mentioned that were specific to the Department of
Housing.
So then chairman, so I don't have Lopez. So since I, so I
don't have to repeat myself multiple times over, if we
continue to see maybe for all of these projects that we
have coming before us today, especially if they relate to,
like the affordable housing. Um, if we could have that
explanation as to why these costs are going to be so high,
um, because
Having the department say, well, we want our Apartments to
be safe. Everyone who builds in Chicago, builds apartments
that are safe, if they're regulated, everyone who builds in
the city of Chicago, has to abide by the building codes in
the city of Chicago, the environmental, all of the laws
that you think that your developers to abide to. So do non,
so do for-profit developers as well. So I think if we could
have a better explanation and a per unit cost,
Whether it's a, a, a studio, a 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, or
3-bedroom. I think it'd be, uh, great for us to have
a a comparison of what those price, what those those unit
costs look like uh moving forward and I would appreciate
that through the chair as well. Thank you.
Thank you Alderman Lopez.
Alderman. Ervin.
Did you want to comment on your project?
Yes, I do. Thank you madam chair. Uh and I think the uh uh
the team, my apologies uh we're doing a lot of great work
in West Garfield Park. Um we were at a groundbreaking this
morning for the xanh co for Community Village and I'm
actually on my way back to City Hall. Uh thought I would
get there to speak in person but unfortunately we I'm still
still in in my car. I did pull over, um, but let me just,
let's put some perspective on this. Um, if communities like
West Garfield,
Had had the investment that other communities saw
throughout their life or we wouldn't be having a
7000000000.
Per unit conversation. Um unfortunately we are having that
conversation because we have been disinvested in in the
West Garfield Park Community. We have not had a single
solitary affordable development in West Garfield Park in
the last 25 years. I want I want to repeat that to you. We
have not had a single affordable housing development and
West Garfield Park in the last 25 years. So for us to come
up here and talk about this, go call 7000000. Had you
invested 20 years ago, it might not have cost $700,000, but
today's costs are today's cost. And again,
This is a community that's had challenges and we need
affordable house. We need stabilizing housing in many of
our communities. In West Garfield Park is 1 of those
communities that has not had the investment. This isn't the
first project and it won't be the last project that come
and it next project might even be higher as the cost go up.
But again the folks
Huh.
It is, it is, okay. It is. And, and again, so I I'm, I'm
yeah, I understand. We want to be fiscally responsible. We
also have to be civically responsible and how we spend
money in communities. And this is a community that this has
not had that same type of love as other communities in our
city have. Um, this is a great project uh, with a great
organization.
In the West Garfield Park Community. Again, the community
that has not had the investment that other communities even
on the west side of head around it. So again I'm I'm
hopeful and uh would ask for the committee's full support
on this measure because as I as I continue to say we get
the west side and West Garfield Park, moving in the right
direction. The city of Chicago will move in the right
direction and we can no longer afford to starve communities
of resource and expect everything to just be. All right?
It's just not going to happen. So again, I thank everybody
for their support on this project. The focus on the
Department of Housing Department of planning uh the uh care
care manager team and uubl for living uh Greg. And all of
the hard work that he's put in uh GMA is going to build.
And again this is some build by black folks on the west
side of Chicago Lee contractors of black development.
Young boy out of Cabrini Green housing project has made
somebody's life again. So this is this is this is fraud
with great things for our community, from how it's being
built, who's building it who's bringing it and where it's
going. So, with that, I asked for the committee support and
if it hasn't been the motion, I move to pass,
Thank you, Alderman. Ervin, if there are no more questions
for members of the committee, can I get a motion?
recommending approval of item. Number 3, some move by, um,
Alderman Rodriguez, recommending due pass, all those in
favor. Signify by saying, I I opposed and the opinion of
the chair, the eyes, have it, and the motion carries, the
due pass recommendation will be reported out at the next
city council meeting. Congratulations, Alderman, Ervin,
this is a very good project in your community.
Item number. Thank you. Madam chair. Thank you committee.
Item number 4 is uh from the Department of Housing and
ordinance concerning the issuance of financial assistance
and the execution of a tiff Redevelopment agreement with
Legends a-3 LLC for the Legends South A3 mixed income,
housing development located at 4520 South State and the
Third Ward.
we're joined by Katrina Collins from the Department of
Housing, who will give the presentation,
Okay. Good afternoon for the record. My name is Katrina
Collins. I am a financial planning analyst with the
Department of Housing today, I will be reviewing Legend
South A3 located at 4520 South State, Street located in the
Grand Boulevard community area in Bronzeville neighborhood.
The project is in the Third. Ward, under alderwoman, Pat
Dal, located in the 47th and state, TIF district. We have
received a letter of support from alderwoman Dowell.
Legends a-3 LLC is a single purpose entity that will be the
the owner of this project for development and the Michael's
organization are serving as a joint venture under MBT 1.
LLC. Imagine group is a local MBE firm that is serving as
the consultant, GMA is a minority and veteran-owned
business. That was selected as the general contractor
The property manager is Michael's management affordable.
The architect for this project is Landon, bone Baker
architects. Who is partnered with Brooks architecture?
Which is an MBE wbe firm.
The attorney is applicate Thorne Thompson. The syndicator
is redstone.
The construction financing is being provided by cap 1. The
permanent financing is being provided by CDT through bcad
and the Illinois donation. Tax credit syndicator is Clock
Tower.
Um, shown is the ownership structure?
Legend, South A3 includes new construction of 2 buildings
for a total of 52 units, 1 4 story Corridor elevator
building that will house 4 units, and will incorporate
commercial space on the first floor. The second building is
a 3-story walk-up that will bring 12 units to the
development. The
can you get her mic working over here? Try this 1.
No.
Can you hear me now? Yes. Okay, sorry about that. The
project will include a management office community room,
Fitness room and 1-on-1 bike storage. A resident Plaza will
be located on the North End of the project site. The
project will provide a total of 45 parking spaces. 6 will
be
Be reserved for commercial development and 39 spaces are for
the residents of the building. The property consists of 6
Parcels that are site controlled by cha the property was
formerly home to Robert, Taylor homes, Chicago Housing,
Authority, public, housing, development Legend. South 83 is
the 6 phase in the Redevelopment of the former Robert
Taylor homes. It is the third on-site phase that will be
constructed within the footprint of Robert Taylor homes.
The property is currently on unimproved vacant land located
at the South corner of State Street and 45th Street. The
top image is the corridor elevator building. The bottom
image is the 3-story. Walk up units will be open concept.
All units will have in-unit washer, dryer, dishwasher and
energy, star compliant appliances.
The project will offer approximately 3,600 square feet of
leasable space, along State Street, this space can be
divisible into 2. Um, 1800 square feet spaces. There are no
current letters of interest, but the developer plans to
contract with quad Community, Development Corporation to
assist with renting the spaces to local entrepreneurs.
The project will generate 2 full-time positions for the
resident portion and they anticipate 8 full-time positions
from the commercial portion of the project.
The total unit count will be 52 units. 10 of the units will
be market rate and the remaining 42 units will be
affordable at or below 60% Ami.
There will be 191 bedrooms, 272 bedrooms and 6 3 bedroom
units.
The Chicago Housing Authority will provide subsidies to 21
of the units. The project has over 20% accessible adaptable
units, available to people with disabilities.
The total development cost is approximately 40 million seen
as a breakdown of the permanent source of funding, the city
of Chicago will be providing Tif funds of up to $10 million
2. M. 2.9 Million in multifamily loan funds and 1.5 million
in tax credits, which will generate approximately 13.7
million dollars in tax credit equity.
The uh, per unit development cost is approximately 764000.
And to review some public benefits of the project. The
project aligns with the 47th and state Tiff goal by helping
redevelop, the site comprising of the former Robert Taylor
homes housing developments as a mixed income residential
commercial. Uh excuse me, residential Community with
appropriate neighborhood, commercial facilities, employment
centers and Community uses as set forth in the Chicago.
Housing, Authority plan, to tra for transformation of
Robert Taylor home development plan. The project will
provide 42, new affordable units,
Cha Faircloth to rad conversion post-closing will allow the
mixed Finance program to convert to a long-term section a
contract under rad program after construction is complete.
converting to rad provides more opportunities for owners
because the Section 8 plan for platform, ensures long-term,
stability rental, assistance to the development while also
ensuring long-term, affordability for residents, tenants
will continue to only pay 30% of their income towards rent
and Section 8. Rental assistance will continue to cover the
difference. All 21, CA units will be converted to rad.
The development will help reduce vacant and underutilized
property. The construction of the building will create
approximately 250, temporary construction jobs and 10 jobs
after construction is complete.
Um, the environmental features of Legend South A3 will
include leads, silver certification. There are 39 resident
parking spaces, and 1-on-1 bike storage, and the community
space includes again. Management office community room,
Fitness room and residential Plaza.
Uh our request today is to approve the issuance of up to 10
10 million dollars of Tiff approve. The issuance of 2.9
Million in do multi family program, funds, and to designate
Legends a-3 LLC as the developer of the Tif funds.
And I am complete with my presentation. I am joined today
by members of the Michael's organization and Cha if anybody
has any questions.
Thank you very much, uh, Katrina Alderman Lopez.
Thank you again. Uh,
Madam chairman. What was the unit cost? Because I didn't
see it up there.
76.
764 2 4 7.
Okay, same comments as before if I could have also a
breakdown of what the per unit.
Individualized costs are. Thank you. Thank you Alderman
Lopez alderman laspada.
Thank you very much. Could you go back? Maybe 2 slides. The
1 particular. I'm sorry. Alderman spot Alderman Moore. I
didn't see your hand up.
Okay. Thanks chairman. Um,
first of all, I I I want to thank um, chairman Dow for
staying on um top of this but also um Bren Shore um,
Michael's for, you know, not giving up on this project and
trying to make things work. Um, but the residents and every
commitment that was made to bring, um, cha units back and
some affordable housing bag. Um, you know, although, um,
we're 24 years later almost, um, it's at least it's
happening. And so, but my question is so I can get just get
an
Standing from the tip perspective perspective, are those
going towards the affordable and Market?
Rate units or is Tiff. Also included to do the cha portion
For what portion of it going towards it, sorry. Um, so
This is funding.
The affordable units.
Okay, that's what I that's that's I think that's good that
that was my only concern um and that's and that's a good
thing. So I appreciate that. Um great job on this uh
project for keeping it going chairman Dale and um you know
look forward to um that project being um completed. It's
been a lot of work on it over the years, a lot of
Heartache, a lot of headaches. But you know, when you got a
developer that hangs in there, that means a lot too.
Because when changes come, you can get even more, um, you
know, higher costs with this. So I want to give a shout out
to Bren Shore um development for making sure that they
start to stand with this. Thank you so much and I support
this item for
Thank you Alderman, Moore alderman, laspada.
Thank you very much jerk.
Could we please go back to the slide specifically that
dealt with what was listed as spare class to read? Oh, the
public benefits? Yes, right here. I feel
marginally aware of what rad conversions are. I feel like
it was more aware earlier in my life.
But unaware of what Fair cloth is referencing here. Could
either you or someone from the ca elaborate on this point?
Yeah. Can I invite somebody from cha to come? Uh, explain
fair cloth.
And then when you do come up, just state your name for the
record, the microphones.
Over on this side of the room.
Thank you.
That's what happens when you sit all the way down at the
end there. Got to make that long walk in the front.
Helps me get a few steps in.
Um, so Faircloth to rad basically is
When the project closest initially.
It's considered a public housing unit with the subsidy is
usually much lower than a voucher based unit. So we close
the project as a public housing unit and then after
Construction
Prior to unit occupancy, there's another closing.
That converts those units to voucher based units.
And the advantage of that as mentioned earlier, is that
there's a larger payment on the rent, which helps subsidize
a healthy project because otherwise, the monthly in payment
on the public, housing unit is too low to really keep up
with the expenses of a building. For example, some of the
things that have really increased tremendously over the
last 10 years is the cost of insurance and property taxes.
And a lot of these buildings
So the um, there's always a challenge with the developer
and the property manager to maintain those to a high level
uh market rate level of management. So with this voucher
change it, there's more income coming into the project to
make sure that it's a healthy um, financially project.
Does that, thank you? Could you give your name for the
record? I'm sorry, alarm. Corey, I'm director of
development with the chah alderman laspada, if for a brief
follow-up question, why? So I appreciate the explanation
that you gave could you explain.
Why a traditional cha unit?
Um,
has such a lower substance to it than a voucher based unit.
So that's just the funding that comes out of the federal
government, um, basically section, uh, 8 vouchers or
Section 8 units, have always been subsidized by the federal
government at a higher level. Um, and but why, why is that
uh, you have to ask Cod and Congress questions to be asked,
worth Googling the fair cloth amendment when folks have a
chance, but no further questions for right now. Thank you,
chair. Thank you. Thank you Alderman, laspada. I see no
other questions. I just want to thank, uh, Katrina, for
working on this. It's take taken a long time. All the men,
more, I share your um, perspective on how long it is taken
to move these uh transformation projects forward. Um I'm
just happy to see that we're going to have some diverse
housing along State Street um and also some commercial and
amenity space. For the residents, this project has been
through a community meeting and also a residence meeting.
Um, and so I asked for
This committee supported this project. Can I get a motion?
So, moved by Alderman Hall. Uh, all those in favor
Signify by saying I oppose and the opinion of the chair,
the eyes have it and we will report the due pass.
Thank you. We will report the due pass recommendation out
at the next city council meeting. Katrina, thank you so
much.
uh,
the Department of Housing will present items 5 and 6
together. However the committee will vote on them
separately. Uh this is uh from the Department of Housing
item. Number 5, an ordinance concerning the issuance of
multifamily housing revenue, bonds and other financial
assistance to MHL 2 Prairie District apartments. While Vash
LP for the MHL 2 Prairie District, apartments project
located at 1801 South Wall, Bosch Avenue in the Third Ward.
Uh, there is a substitute ordinance which has been prepared
in electronically sent to everyone. Is there a motion to
accept the substitute so? Moved by Alderman Hopkins, all
those in favor. Signify by saying, I
uh although suppose in the opinion of the chair, the eyes
have it and the substitute ordinance is now before the
committee and will be explained by the Department of
Housing
item number 6 which we're going to be taking together is an
an ordinance concerning. The issuance of financial
to MHL 3 Prairie District Apartment Michigan LP. For the
MHL 3 Prairie District apartments project located at 1800
South Michigan Avenue. In the third war, these projects are
projects are directly around the corner from each other.
joined today by Dena Wayne from the Department of Housing
financial planning area. And I don't know if Edgar flag is
here. Oh, there you go. Edgar from uh Mercy. Um, vice
president of real estate for Mercy, Housing Lakefront. If
we have questions for him,
Nina.
thank you, madam chair, so
As chair, I'll explained I'm here to talk about both
ordinances in in 1 Direction.
Uh, the
first ordinance on your agenda, uh, on your agenda, the
1801 South Wabash building is an existing building.
That is going to be rehabbed and the 1800 South Michigan
Avenue. Uh, is across an ally from it. It will be new
construction.
Both by Mercy Housing Lakefront. Here's the development
team, Mercy, Housing, uh, Lakefront is they're calling MHL
2 is the developer for the wall Bosch building. And when I
say developer, they're rehabbing it, it was built
originally in 1996 by a group called 18th and wash
Corporation.
It has not, uh, been able to make it financially very well
and where he's put a lot of their own money into it,
although they were just the manager. And now, they have
come forward and stepped up to, uh, buy the building and to
rehab it. And we'll talk about some of the improvements,
they have planned and then at the same time developed from
from scratch. So to speak on an empty lot, the Michigan
building across the alley. The general contractor will be
yuja a minority contractor. Mercy, Housing Lakefront will
be providing the, uh, Supportive Services, Nia Architects,
which is a minority architect. Um it's providing the
architect services for both projects um Mercy will not
continue to manage the existing building and the new
building and then applicate Thorn Thompson, the attorney
CIBC the lender and the syndicator for the 4% tax credits
from the bonds will be nef and they will also be the
syndicator for the 9% building.
In terms of the project summary again, it's going to be a
gut rehab of the SRO psh.
permit Supportive Housing elevator building, uh, that upon
completion, will have a 100 PSA units
97 of those will rent to individuals between 30% and 60%,
Ami, and 3 of the units will be at 80%. Ami of all of these
units, 20 units will receive the, um, Ida srn so
supportive.
Why can't I simply remember it the the services from Ida
the 811, um, referral Network units that are for people who
are already receiving social services, from this state. So
again, that's 20 of those units. And 67 will receive
subsidies from the Chicago, loan Income, Housing, Trust
Fund, currently 60 units in the building received that and
an additional 7 will um, upon the completion of of the
rehab.
The new units are going to be for 4 416 square feet, which
is significantly better than the only 225 square feet of
the current units. Uh, they're also going to be larger and
they're obviously but have improved kitchens full bathrooms
and air conditioning.
Amenity spaces will include the private outdoor landscaped
Courtyard, which is in the rear. And I've been there. It's
very nice and it'll be even nicer. Fitness equipment.
On-site Property Management staff offices, um, activity
room. A lot of these uh,
Um amenities are are for both buildings. There's um
Going to be night and weekend. Security bike storage 1 for
1. For each of the units again a 100 units um and 1 car
parking space, so it's an e Todd project, it's near public
transportation. And so the usual number of parking spaces
aren't required. There's going to be um, as part of the
social services in the building, uh, job resources and
computer skills, room resident services and program,
referral offices conference, and training room, counseling
offices, and they will have envisioned as their service
provider.
In terms of the new Michigan building, its 50 units with
391 bedrooms and 112 bedrooms. Um, they're all going to
rent individuals between 30 to 80%, Ami, uh, with 10 of the
1-bedroom units and 2 of the, um,
2 bedrooms receiving cha public based vouchers.
This square footage of the 1, bedrooms will be about 750
feet and for the 2 bedrooms 906 square feet. Again, some of
the same amenities, a community room, laundry room Fitness,
uh, ground floor, activity area.
The weekend night and weekend security. And in this case
12, indoor parking spaces and also bike spaces um 1 to 1.
So 50.
Bike spaces.
This, um,
This work with the this outlines the site. Uh,
So, uh, Michigan and Wabash with the, um, the dividing line
kind of in the center there for the 2 par.
And here again, you see the outline of the of the 2
buildings. The
well, there we go.
The existing building if you can see it here and then the
new 1 that will be built along Michigan Avenue.
Here's a picture of the existing building.
Here's an elevation of what the new building on Michigan
would look like.
And the buildings again across the alley from each other.
okay, in terms of the financing,
uh, the
total development cost for the wash building 52 million.
Um,
we introduced to council for an up to 10.9 million dollar
loan. We since have had a 2 million dollar, um, Council
earmark.
Grant. So that will reduce our city loan somewhat and idle
loan of 5.2 million. Um, they're asking for up to $30
million in bonds which will generate approximately 13.5
million in tax credit Equity, they have money from the
federal Home Loan Bank. Um,
the seller note that they're going to convert into donation
tax credits, A deferred developer fee and the kind of
customary Comm Ed grant for energy improvements Mercy is
also asking that the original loan that was granted to 18th
and wash, uh, Corporation. Be forgiven, Again, part of the
problem with the first project, it had so many loans on it.
It it didn't have enough cash flow to really um keep the
building going and improve it. So um, by reducing by
forgiving the loan, we're hoping that the building will
have less in debt and we'll be able to um find financially
support itself better. Um you can see the acquisition
costs, the hard costs and I did figure out after the last
line of questioning the cost per unit.
520. Yeah, that sounds right. But 528,000 for the for the
um Wabash building and 6685115 dollars per unit for the new
construction and I would say again that the Wabash building
is a gut rehab. So the 528 is is really almost like um,
starting from scratch.
In terms of building up that building.
Oh, this is no longer moving.
Oh yeah, maybe that will work.
No, thank you.
Great.
Um,
The Michigan building. So 33.
Million.
dollars about in the total, the total con, um, development
costs here, the uh, the city will be giving 3 million and
9% tax credits, and the loan of 3.9 million, the um, tax
code credits will generate 26 million approximately in uh,
In tax credits. Again the seller note that they're going to
convert to donation tax credits. A very small deferred
developer fee. They're also getting a 9999 dollar loan from
um, Mercy Housing Capital Management fund. I believe it's
called and that's sort of Mercy headquarters. Um there that
entity is granting this related entity a loan to support
the project.
See if this 1 works again. Otherwise no
What did you oh here? Yeah, okay. Uh, you can see the unit
mix here again. The um, this is for the wall Bosch
building.
20 of the studios at 30%, Ami will be getting the state
referral Network. The srn, um, subsidy,
the initial rents 995, uh,
Another.
60, uh units of 50%, Ami will be supported by cliff and the
rent. There will be somewhat higher with the the cliff
subsidy making up. The the difference, the unit, the
residents again will only be paying 30% of their income.
And then 60% Ami again, 7 cliff.
Units. There will be 3 units that are not subsidized at 80%
Ami again for a total of 100 units.
In the Michigan building. You can see the 10 CA
project-based vouchers on uh, some of the 30% units.
They're going to be 9 units at 50% Ami 10 units at, um,
do not have ch 9 units. Do not have cha vouchers 2 of the 2
bedrooms. Um, will have cha vouchers 2 of them will not.
You can read that chart for yourselves again for a total of
50 units.
In terms of the public benefits, um, maintain the existing
affordable units and create new 1 and 2 bedroom units.
An MBE.
Architect Nia and the general contractor yuja and a wbe uh,
relocation consultant. It's really important. I think to
stress that these affordable units in the existing building
building were very much in danger of being lost because the
building could not continue, um, in the way it was
financially and still, um, you know, being, as we said
safe, safe housing. So, um, it was very much something that
where it could have been sold and taken over, um, for
market rate development. So we're really happy that we're
see has come through and um offered to, you know, rehab
this building and continue to keep its affordability. Um,
they have a lot of the standard green improvements in place
place. Um, which is of course now standard but still very,
uh, environmentally sensitive. And you can see the Michigan
building will actually be all electric.
so, in terms of um requested action, we are asking
The this Pro, these 2 projects proceed to the city council
for passage on in a couple of days with uh, ordinances
requesting up to 30 million dollars in bonds. That's for
the waves building.
Forgiving the 1996 City loan that was made to the prequel
the current owner. But soon to be previous owner, we hope
for 9 point um that that was an existing load of 9.48
million and acred interest as well.
And approve the city.
Financing and I put it as a lump sum 14.8 million, but that
breaks down again to up to 10.9 million, um, for the Wabash
building and somewhat over 3 million for the 9% building.
Um, as the chair pointed out Edgar flag, the vice president
of real estate. Development for Mercy, Housing Lakefront is
here and and also happy to answer any questions. Thank you.
Thank you, Alderman, Lopez and Alderman Conway. I mean,
Vice chair Conway will start with Vice chair Conway.
um my my question was on the Forgiveness of the city loan
is the million dollars of bonds going to be used to pay
back the city loan for is
And, and if the answer to that question is no, which I
think it is, uh, does the do the unit dollar amounts you
mentioned of?
5286660, do they include?
The Forgiveness of the loan in that number.
So you're right, the bonds will not be used to pay to pay
back the loan. It simply will be forgiven and know that it
does not count
Okay, thank you.
Thank you Alderman Lopez.
Thank you again shared. Um,
First off. Thank over here.
Thank you.
By the do you work for the city?
Me. Yeah, I do because you've just been like, a cheerful
Fountain of bubbliness this whole time here. She's always
that way.
I'm glad to see this finally go forward as well. So it's
been another long process. It's like, all right.
um,
Number 5, how many uh units will be there?
And the rehab. That's 50 units, the new building. Thank
you. Okay? Again, all other comments and and if I could
just have the breakdowns here and I appreciate it. Thank
you.
Thank you. Any other questions from members of the
committee?
Alderman Mitchell. Um, can you what would what is the, uh,
Ami for this area?
Oh, that's a good question. I don't know. You might get
what would the market rate? Be compared to its high. So let
me tell you, this is in the South Loop, that's why I'm
here. And uh I am very pleased to support this project
because of how the South Loop is developing. We really need
to maintain affordability options for people that live
there because I saw at 30 between 30 and 80%, that's why
it's sparked my curiosity. Um um chairman going forward can
you instruct um whoever comes before us and they make
reference to Ami to give us the Ami for that particular
area so we can kind of see it in
Contact. Okay, that makes a lot of sense. We have um tried
to get the Department of Housing. We and we're close to
being uniform and how they give their presentations. Um,
how they structure, their financing charts, the the uses
and revenue, okay, um, and I'll pull you to the side and
give you my thoughts on that because it's a company. Okay.
look forward to that. Okay, thank you. Um, let me just say,
I'm really supportive of this project. Uh, this is 1 of the
buildings, I go to every year because I have a, uh, annual
Uh, Super Bowl party at this location, and the residents
here are people who have gone through some struggles in
their lives, who are now on the right path to, um, just
living out their lives. The way they really dreamed and
want to live out their lives. I think it's important to
have, um,
uh,
affordable housing and low-income housing options in the
South Loop. And I would ask your support for this project.
I want to just say Edgar, if you want to say something, I'm
I'm taking the prerogative since I'm in the chair for you
to say something. But I want to publicly, thank Mercy
Hospital for taking on this building because this building
has been, um,
You know, it's been troubled. So I appreciate you all.
Thank, thank you. Um,
Okay. All right, great. Um real quick. Just just thankful
for the city um Alderman and and and the staff for helping
us get here. We are helping to keep people that have been
living in this building that are paying a low rent to be
able to stay in their, we're bringing new subsidy to people
that didn't have subsidies. So we're helping them live at a
true 30% of rent. We have some of those 80% units to be
able to keep people slightly over income inside of their
units and inside of that community, that otherwise would
have been forced out through displacement. So we've done a
lot to try to really make this development work. Mercy has
um, several hundred thousand dollars invested in and
keeping the building open in the past.
4 years, almost that. I've been working on it and I'm just
thankful for, um, being able to hopefully get this project
closed in the next few months. Thank you, Edgar. Um, I need
to take a 5 minute, uh, break for our court reporter. But
before we take this break, I just want to say that item 7
will be held in committee. Um, at the request of the
Department of Housing. Um, we've already held items, 8 9
and 10 at the request of alderman, cea, Lopez Alderman,
Ramirez, and Alderman lie. And so that
Yes, thank you. So that means all the item number 11 will be
what we hear when we come back, but to close this out, is
there a motion to recommend approval of item? Number 5? So,
so move by Alderman, David Moore by Alderman Moore.
Uh, recommending do pass all those in favor of the motion
signify by saying I opposed and the opinion of the chair,
the eyes have it. And the do pass recommendation will
it out of at the uh september 18th city hall meeting. I
also need a motion to recommend approval of item. Number 6
on the agenda and Alderman, Harris has recommended due pass
all those in favor of the motion signify, by saying, I
opposed and the opinion of the chair, the eyes have been
the eyes have been and the due pass recommendation will be
next city council meeting will take a 5-minute break and
come back and handle items. Number 11,
12 and 13, 12 and 13 should be short, but 11 is the
presentation 5 minutes. We'll stand at ease.
Alderman Lopez, I asked Tamara Collins to come down to give
the explanation on
Per unit cost.
And when she comes back, when you, when we come back,
she'll be first up.
The committee on finance will come back to order um before
we go to item. Number 11,
Where is Alderman Lopez?
Is Alderman Lopez back there.
Of course.
All right. Um, we're going to continue. Somebody can tell
them the answer to his question.
Um, we have with us Tamara Collins, who is the managing?
Deputy Commissioner for the Department of plant uh,
Department of Housing?
and I've asked her, if she would come down here to give us
an explanation on the per unit costs, with the Department
of Housing, and what the trend has been and what she's
seeing and why we're seeing um, per unit cost of 700 plus,
Tamara.
Thank you.
Okay, thank you Tamara Collins managing Deputy Commissioner
for the Department of Housing. We've kind of gone over
this, uh, a bit over the last couple of, you know months,
Um, and where we're starting to see now is actually costs
coming down slightly. I think the last few projects we
brought in here were closer above 800,000 even in inching
up to 9000 dollars per unit. We're starting to see those
costs creep down ever so slightly. So I believe 77 was on
Um care manner like around 6508 or so on Prairie, District
the Legends, uh, is is a little bit higher, uh, 52 units at
about 764. Yes. Um, but that that also came with changes
that a lot of changes in design on Legends. Um, over the
last couple of years, the design changed tremendously so
costs, we have to Architects have to be paid for the work
that they do. Um so that can cause cause costs to creep up.
Um, but I think we're starting to see some of this taper
off a little bit, but I just for the record want to say
that we're never going to get back to those pre-pandemic
per unit costs that we were seeing before, um, you know,
labor, you know, cost of Labor. All those things are have
increased over, you know, during the pandemic and over
time. And so I think while we might see some tapering off,
um we're
Still going to see these. You know levels. Um,
In terms of also interest rates have been extremely high,
uh, hopefully that gets corrected and that brings down some
of the costs. Um we're seeing on some projects as high as
78% um those are starting to creep down a little bit so
hopefully if they're you know, changes in the interest
rates then we we'll see that taper off even more.
Thank you Tamara, um, Vice chair Conway, you know, I'm
sorry myself and my colleague were speaking, too loudly.
And I was motioning to apologize, but this is I I, I think
this sounds like an excellent project. Thank you. Um, we
have been we've moved on. We haven't got a project yet.
But thank you up there, if there are no questions for uh,
Miss Collins.
You slow, you blow. That's what my mother told me.
Do you have any questions? She's, she's given a really good
explanation.
But she's not going to repeat.
But you could check it out online and then if you have any
questions, you can follow up with her.
We can and I think that I, I will say first off, thank you
chairman forgive me for getting caught in the back. Um, but
I think
Many of us.
See that there's plenty of opportunity for us to do better
with our money. Um,
Especially when we see things are finite and tough.
When we have opportunities, where we could be doing more
than what we're doing with, what we have and where mindsets
are spent to the max simply because you can and, and you
want to maintain that spending ceiling. Um, it's a
disservice to everyone. We're trying to find housing for
whether it's affordable market rate or other. Um, so I look
forward to having a more robust conversation other than
this impromptu, uh,
Discussion here and look forward to both having uh our
for-profit and not-for-profit partners come and explain
how. If we were to build the same building 1 costs extra
automatically more than the other. So thank you.
Thank you. Happy to continue that discussion.
Thank you.
Commissioner Collins, thank you for your time and thank you
for coming down on such such short. Notice. Um we'll move
move to item number 11, which is from the Department of
and development and ordinance concerning the First
Amendment to the intergovernmental agreement, with the
Chicago Park District for the provision of Tif funds for
improvements that Kel's.
Park located at 714 and 724. North Kedzie Avenue, uh, in the
the 27th Ward, we're joined by Beth tomlin's from the
Chicago Park District.
Good morning, Carol and members of the finance committee
for the record. My name is Beth Tomlin and I'm the Deputy
Chief Operating Officer at the Chicago Park District. I'm
here today to request your approval to enter into an
amended intergovernmental agreement. That would provide the
Chicago Park District with an additional 16.4 million in
Tiff assistance to develop a new Fieldhouse at Kells Park.
The total Tiff commitment will be 17 million. The project
is located at 3201 West Chicago Avenue in the 27th, Ward
and is located within the Chicago Central Park. Tiff
So, the project overview is to demolish and existing
decommissioned Fieldhouse and construct, a new Fieldhouse,
and additional site. Amenities on the newly expanded Kels
Park property. The total project cost will be 17 million.
And our product timeline is to start construct as well.
We'll start design, um, this quarter and project completion
by, um, end of 2026.
So Kel's Park is a nearly 2 acre Park situated within the
Humble Park Community area. The park, currently does not
have an existing Fieldhouse facility and offers only
outdoor side amenities. The opportunity for indoor
programming does not currently exist at this park.
Providing Tif funding to build a new facility with rooms
for Park programming and Community. Use, and addition to a
new gym will provide a new level of Park service for the
neighborhood.
Tiff funded activity will include the demolition of the
existing decommissioned, Firehouse that is currently
city-owned and adjacent to the newly acquired Kells Park
property and the whole park will be reconfigured to utilize
the new property to the best potential.
So this is a aerial image of the existing current
conditions, um, of the park. We are, uh, as a part of this,
um, city council approval intergovernmental agreement. We
also will be acquiring that additional property from the
city. So the yellow, parcel. The red Parcels will be, um,
the Park expansion, um, as a part of this project, as well.
uh, on, um
March 15 2023. City council passed an ordinance that
allocated dollars for site improvements at Kel Park. Um,
given the small footprint of the park even with the recent
expansion, which was at that point, just an ally vacation
and a small parcel expansion. Um, construction of a
was not an option. So at that time the park district
submitted a tip request to make the best Improvement
possible giving space constraints which involved the
relocation of a playground. Some side of amenities,
including walking path and perimeter fencing um for a total
of dollars.
This was at the time, the the concept Improvement for the
park.
At the present time the city and the alderman desire to
transfer. Um, some vacant, the firehouse property to the
Chicago Park District to demolish the existing firehouse
and to construct a full service new Fieldhouse and to
reconfigure the park space, the previously awarded 600 will
be combined with this new 16.4 million toccatian for a
total construction project of 17 million.
Uh, the Fieldhouse will have a community room space office,
space, restrooms and a gymnasium. A detailed design and
further Community engagement will refine the scope with the
design again to begin this quarter and construction
expected to start in Spring 2025 and be complete by the end
of 2026.
This is um, an image of the fee, current firehouse on site
that will be uh, that is decommissioned and will be uh
demolished as a part of this project.
Uh, the concept image, um, for what, for the construction
of the new Fieldhouse, um, is similar to what we're doing
constructing currently at Craig and park and at um, Moran
park on the south side.
and again, the funding sources are combining the existing
600 um thousand Tiff allocation, with a new allotment of
16.4 million for a total of 17 million.
Are there any questions?
Alderman Vasquez, thank you. Can you go back to the last
slide please?
I just got questions. Uh, someone needs to mute, that's
remote. That's me. I'm sorry. I'm coming to. You want to
speak now.
No vice mayor know you can let them go.
Yeah, I think he's he's muted. He said no, he said no that
you could let. Okay, go ahead. Yeah, I just I just wanted
to see because so we're saying from something that was a
project for 600 and last year to 17 million. Now, there's
there's some questions. Um,
So, is most of that cost just the building of the
Fieldhouse meaning, like it's not acquisition of property.
It's literally just a field house. That's correct. So the
6000000 was before we were able to acquire this additional
property to build a field house so the 600000 was just a
relocate the playground and do some minor side amenities.
Now that we have the expanded parcel, we're using that
additional funding to build a new Field House. Sure. Is
that cost, what's the average cost of a Fieldhouse at a
park?
Now, it's totally dependent on the size and the program
space within the Fieldhouse recent projects um are Craig
and park is about 7.1. Moran Park is another 1 we're doing
at 9 million. Um Jackie Robinson is a third 1 that we have
underway that's 15 million so it really varies upon um how
much space we're building out? Are there any that are more
than the 16 million we're talking? Oh sure okay yeah, yeah,
the reason why I asked that is like, I mean, 1, it's humble
park. So I can I, I understand
A lot of the investment that's been necessary in some of my
neighborhoods. But also think about like
our need for housing and the amount of cost for 1 field has
to just
Was very curious to me especially when it was only 600000
for improvements and now it goes up that much. So yeah,
just wanted to Clarity. Uh, thank you. That's all I got.
What's the square footage of this, uh, Fieldhouse. Um, I
Don't have that for you and I will, I can bring that through
through the chair through you, but, um, I, I asked for I
apologize. I don't have that on hand. Can you speak to the
programming that's supposed to occur inside? Absolutely.
So, um, we are looking to have, um, community room space
that can be used for Park programming as well as general
Community meetings. Um, restrooms office space and then the
the big amenity will be a gym. Um, potentially either a
half-sized gym or full-size gym depending on what we work
out with the community engagement process,
Any other questions?
Uh, Vice chair Conway. Yeah, I I would uh,
Echo Alderman Vasquez is, um,
concerns. I don't want to put words in your mouth, but
little shocked at the size of the, I mean, 17 million
dollars for a field house for a 2-acre park, seems when
we're sitting on a billion dollar budget deficit. Seems.
excessive how much uh in to constructive just to be correct
is 12 million to construct in this Demolition and looks
like you all expanded. Some of the other amenities I hope
but at least can get a full-size gym for 17 million instead
of just the half 1. So that how how much extra uh land was
acquired, uh,
What will be the size of the land? That includes the, the 2
acres plus the Fieldhouse part?
So the Green in this image, the green is the existing Park
of Kel's Park and the the yellow and the red are the
expansion Parcels. So, it's
If the green is and the green part is about 2 acres, is
that that's right? So it looks like it's another acre or
so. Yeah.
um,
Well, I know this is an area that needs it, so I'm not
certain, I'm not going to oppose it, but it's seems like it
seems like a a a huge investment knowing uh the investment
that's needed in Parks across the city.
Alderman mitts.
Chairman. Um,
Asen would like to appreciate the council supporting this
project even though it's an ottoman burn this War, I
appreciate the water a lot with the 11 districts, it's been
an era of vacant space and they certainly would improve the
area if they would have a field house there. So I'm looking
forward to uh the council supporting it. And
It's the area that really needed. Thank you. Thank you
Alderman. Mitz we do have a letter from Alderman mitts
Alderman, uh, Urban and
Baldman Walter Bernett. Um, vice mayor. Do you want to add
anything? Yeah, yeah. Uh, thank you very much, Madam
chairman. Um, first of all, I want to thank the park
district.
Also, I want to thank the administration. Uh this is uh
something that myself and the Westminster Park Development
Council, and also the Carol's Park advisory Council have
been working on for several years, matter of fact. Uh, I
think it it started with 2 Ministries ago. Uh, initially,
uh, they were just going to acquire the land and try to
rehab the building, um, that wasn't sufficient enough. So
they had to acquire the land, tat down the building now and
make a new Fieldhouse. Uh, this is 1 of the areas where we
first um, had to put uh spot Charter at because it's 1 of
the highest crime areas in the city, with the, uh, 11
District in that Community as right across the street from
a library. Uh, this will not only benefit the community in
a lot of ways, but it'll give the young people a safe and
constructive place to be in during the daytime
uh right now they try to come to the park and open but we
need a place inside for them to be able to get some
instruction the mentorship and also to help save lives. So
I asked for the committee support on this, of course, uh,
this is, uh, Central Park, Tiff is right by the, uh, Kinsey
Tiff, which is a tiff that actually supplies money to the
rest of the city of Chicago and have been helping to
balance the budget for so many years. Uh, so it's only
fitting that we utilize some of this money in the
that's been helping to save the rest of the city for a long
time. So I asked for every everyone's support, um what is
still house? Uh is long overdue for a community that really
needs it and I just want to thank everyone for their
support. Thank you.
Thank you Alderman. Bernett, Alderman investigates. Did you
want to move the motion, are you? Uh, yes. I 1. I
appreciate uh, the response there as well. And I think it's
absolutely fair that if the Tif has been used all across
town. They also have the investment there, so um, thank you
you for also, the clarity there. Um, yeah, I moved to pass.
Thank you motion made by Alderman Vasquez, recommending, do
pass all those in favor of the motion signify by saying I
opposed and the opinion of the chair of the eyes have it.
And this item will be reported out at the next city council
meeting as a dup pass motion.
Thank you. Vice mayor.
Uh, item number 12, miscellaneous, uh, a proposed order
authorizing, the payment of various small claims against
the city of Chicago. This was a direct introduction and the
list of payments were sent electronically to everyone. If
there are no objections, these will be placed on the
Omnibus item number 13, uh, under miscellaneous is a
proposed order. Denying, the payment of various small
claims against the city of Chicago, also a direct
introduction and if there are no objections, these 2 will
be placed on the Omnibus.
Item. Number 14, under miscellaneous are 2 proposed orders
authorizing charitable. Solicitation on the public way tag
day permits. Also a direct introduction 1 for the Salvation
Army, North and Central, Illinois, division Citywide for
November 1st 2024 through December 24th 2024, and the
for the save the children. Federation Incorporated
septembar, 18th 2024 through December 31st 2024
They're being no further business before the committee. Can
I get a motion to adjourn? So, moved by Alderman, spaz all
those in favor. Signify by saying, I post and opinion of
the chair, the eyes have it. And the committee on finance
is hereby adjourned. Have a great afternoon. Everybody, I
believe the committee on rules is up next at 1 or 2 oclock.