Good morning, ladies and gentlemen.
Uh, the Committee on Finance is called to Order.
Um, we have a tefra hearing, uh, first
before we get into our regular agenda.
Unfortunately, we don't have any white witness slips,
so if you're interested in speaking on the tefra,
please sign a pink witness slip
and give it to the sergeant at Arms.
Today. We'll be holding a Tefra public hearing on the
Martha Washington Apartments Project,
for which the city will be issuing
multi-family housing debt.
Um, we will now have a roll call to establish Quorum
Vice Chair Conway Alderman Lata Alderman Hopkins.
Alderman Hall. Alderman Mitchell. Alderman Harris.
Alderman Beal. I, yes, I thought I saw you.
Alderman Lee, alderman Ramirez.
Alderman Quinn. Alderman Lopez. Alderman Moore.
Alderman Curtis Alderman. Osha. Alderman Taylor.
Alderman Mosley. Alderman Rodriguez.
Alderman Scott Alderman. Ccho Lopez. Alderman Burnett.
Alderman Irvin. Alderman Talia Farrell. Alderman Cardona.
Alderman Wapac. Alderman Rodriguez Sanchez. Alderman Viegas.
Alderman Mitt Alderman Sdo. Alderman Vasquez.
Alderman Riley, alderman Knutson, alderman Martin
Alderman Silverstein, chair Dow is present.
We have a quorum. We have 16 in the chamber.
Alderman Cazada has requested remote participation
for reasons stated under the provision of Rule 59.
Can I have a motion to allow Alderman Cazada
to participate Motion made by Alderman Knutson?
All those in favor signify by saying Aye. Aye. Opposed?
And the opinion of the chair. The ayes have it.
And I want to confirm that Alderman Cazada is
with us this morning.
Alderman Cazada. Yes. Chair present. Thank you.
Let the record reflect that this is a public hearing
that is being held pursuant to the requirements
of Section 1 47 F of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
As amended notice
of this public hearing was published on October 27th, 2025,
on the website of the Office of the City, clerk
of the City of Chicago.
Let the reporter mark the screenshot of such notice
as committee Exhibit number one for identification.
This is a hearing regarding a plant of finance
to issue multi-family housing revenue bonds Series 2025
for the Martha Washington Apartments Project herein
after later defined in a principal amount not
to exceed $14 million.
We will refer to this as the Martha Washington Bonds.
The proceeds of the Marsh,
Martha Washington Bonds will be used by the Marsh, HHDC
housing tax Credit, LLC,
an Illinois Limited Liability Company, which we will refer
to them as the Martha Washington borrower
to finance an affordable housing development project
by acquiring the membership interest of the Martha
H-H-D-C-L-L-C
and Illinois Limited Liability Company,
which we refer to as the owner.
And to assist the owner in rehabilitating
and equipping an affordable housing project project,
which we are calling the Marsh,
Washington Apartments Project.
The Martha Washington Apartments Project consists
of rehabilitating
and equipping a multi-family housing development consisting
of a five story building containing 103 units consisting
of a mix of four studio units, 87 1 bedroom units
and 13 two bedroom units,
of which a hundred percent will be affordable
for households earning no more than 80%
of the area median income,
and at least 40% of which units are expected to be leased
to individuals or families whose annual income does not
exceed 60% of the area median income as well
as an allocation, excuse me, as well
as an allocatable portion of residential amenities
for the tenants thereof.
And located at 2324 West Irving Park Road,
Chicago, Illinois, all to be owned by the owner.
The owner will be the owner
of the Martha Washington Apartments Project.
The Martha Washington borrower is the sole
member of the owner.
The managing member of the Martha Washington.
Borrower is HHDC, Martha Manager,
LLC
and Illinois Liability Company, which we will refer to
as the Martha Manager.
The city will issue the Martha Washington 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.
The Martha Washington Bonds 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 principle of premium, if any,
and interest on the Martha Washington Bonds will be payable
solely out of the revenue
of the Martha Washington Apartments Project
and other funds pledged
and assigned for their payment
by the Martha Washington borrower.
In accordance with the trust indenture among the city,
the Martha Washington borrower, the Martha Washington
manager, and a to be named Trustee,
the Martha Washington Bonds will not constitute an indebt
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 limitation or legal provision.
No holder of the Martha Washington Bonds 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 any political subdivision of any of them
to pay the principle of premium, if any,
or interest on the Martha Martha Washington Bonds
written comments regarding to the plan
to issue the Martha Washington Bonds must have been
submitted by email
to the Committee on Finance no later than 1:00 PM Friday,
November 7th, 2025.
Let the record reflect that no written
comments were submitted for this project.
Ladies and gentlemen, if any taxpayer resident,
or other interested persons attending this hearing desires
an opportunity to express their views for
or against the proposed issuance
of the Martha Washington Bonds,
please do one of the following.
For those attending the hearing in person, please come up
to the microphone in the aisle with your name,
when your name is called, or two.
For those who have called in on the toll free phone number.
Please enter star nine 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 six to unmute your phone.
Each speaker will be limited to three minutes.
Are there any members of the public
taxpayer interested person who wish to make a statement
with regards to this matter?
We do have two people who have signed up to speak today.
The first one is George Blakemore.
Mr. Blakemore? Yes, madam.
We have a procurement officer, department
of Procurement in the city of Chicago,
and they have only been getting 2%
of the contracts go to black people.
What percent? 2%.
Now this money that's going to be spent,
this $14 million of rehab
or what, uh, this building, how much
of this money, uh, will black people be receiving?
How much of this money,
this $14 million will black folks
be receiving?
We have a black lady.
Just you read very good Pat Madam Uhhuh,
and you say the city is not responsible
and you are saying they're gonna rehab that building.
What's going on here, Mr. Blakemore? Voodoo economics.
And the people are silent, especially the black people.
When you go to these jobs sites,
when they're rehabbing these properties
and building, uh, planning
and development, how many black people have these are
getting these contracts, but you have black faces.
Look at here. She's black in high places.
You black men, black women.
You are not tending to your business, and business is money
and you are not tending to your business.
Any development that goes on in a Hispanic community, 30%
of these contracts will go to Hispanic people.
The money honey, you're not tending to your business.
So I can't beat up on Ron Mosley
and these, uh, uh, uh, so-called black leaders.
I have to beat up on us, the black community
and, and this money 14 million,
and we only have two people speaking.
It's something wrong with the black people.
Something happened on the plantation
and I, I can't believe it.
I can't believe all these black faces
supposed to be educated.
Black people inform black people.
We old people have failed. No, no, no, no, no, no.
You've been a bad example for the young people.
The young people like father, like son,
and the game goes on.
My father wanted me to be better than him,
to ride higher than him.
They didn't want me to be like him.
He didn't want me to be like, like yourself.
He wanted me to be better.
So birds of a feather block together
from one generation to the other.
Rejects. Rejects.
So 2% of the contracts
business, you black people have not tended to your business
for whatever reason.
Business is money. Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Blakemore.
I'd like to acknowledge Alderman Mi, alderman Viegas
and Alderman Conway, or have joined us
and will be added to Quorum.
Our next speaker is, uh, Mr. Dennis White.
Good morning. Uh, good morning.
The question, the question is,
affordable housing and who's it benefiting?
Now, tomorrow is Veteran's Day.
I'm a veteran and I've seen everybody say affordable
housing on the west side, affordable housing
in everybody else's neighborhood.
But nobody didn't say nothing about the homeless
veterans that's out here.
You have blacks that's over 75% that's homeless,
and they not spreading.
Not only on the south side, they on the west side,
they over in Lincoln Park, they everywhere.
So the question is,
and what the problem is, what can you all do for
the veterans that are homeless, despair,
hopelessness, homelessness.
What, what can you all do?
And then I got one alderman right here on my left.
Who, who's over here talking to somebody? I'm priority, sir.
So the question is, what can y'all do for that?
What can you do on the south side in Inglewood,
on Auburn Gresham over here in Woodlawn and Washington Park?
What can y'all do to make homes more affordable?
Because if everything passed,
it's gonna go straight to the illegals.
We going to be realistic about that.
And the more you, Brandon Johnson
talk about affordable housing, he don't know what to do
as far as that go.
So I urge the chairperson
and everybody else in this committee just
say no to Brandon Johnson.
Sometimes you gotta stop this madness that's going on here.
There is no more money here in Chicago
for this affordable housing.
There is no more money period at the end of the fiscal year
because the next fiscal year is going
to be another high rate tax.
It's going to be this, this, and that.
But my fi my question is, what can you do for the people
who defended this flag to protect that flag for you guys?
And my, that's my ho only concern about that
because now I gotta speak for the veteran.
But before I was a veteran, I was black,
before I became a veteran,
before I was black, I was doing everything I can
to make sure this country is safe for everybody to live.
But now we have this evasion here with a group of illegals.
So if you all could put money in
for these social justice warriors
that don't live in Chicago, you could put money here
that pay the taxes, pay your salary,
and pay everything
until they become Penn Lifts here in Chicago.
So do something for the veterans,
because tomorrow, don't say thank you for your service.
Do something about it
because we're the one who protect this flag for you guys.
Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. White.
Uh, ladies and gentlemen, this concludes the public hearing
on the proposed plan for the City of Chicago
to issue the not to exceed $14 million principal amount
multifamily housing revenue bond series 2025
for the Martha Washington Apartments Project.
Um, let the record reflect
that the public hearing on this matter was concluded at
11:00 AM November 10th, 2025.
This concludes the TEFRA hearing.
Um, I also like to acknowledge that we've been joined
by Alderman Scott and she will be counted towards quorum
and, uh, alderman.
Irv present. I haven't got to yet. You're next.
Alderman Irvin, relax. Thank you, mayor.
Um, alderman Irvin has requested to be part
of this meeting under the provision of Rule 59.
Can I get an, uh, motion to allow him to participate?
So moved by Alderman Lee.
All those in favor signify by saying aye.
Aye. Opposed? In the opinion of the chair. The ayes have it.
Alderman Irvin?
Yes, You're in the meeting.
Good morning, sir.
Good morning. We already did Cazada.
I pick a roll call, right? Okay.
The regular meeting of the, uh, committee on Finance
is called to order.
I will take a roll call for this meeting.
Vice Chair Conway. Alderman Lata.
Alderman Hopkins. Alderman Hall. Alderman Mitchell.
Alderman Harris. Alderman Beal. Alderman Lee.
Alderman Ramirez. Alderman Quinn. Alderman Lopez.
Alderman Moore.
Alderman Curtis Alderman. Osha. Alderman Taylor.
Alderman Mosley. Alderman Rodriguez.
Alderman Scott Alderman. Che Lopez.
Alderman Mosley. I see you Alderman. Che Lopez.
Alderman Burnett. Alderman Irvin
on remote.
Okay, what was the other one? Alderman. Talia Farrell.
Alderman. Cardona. Alderman. Waba.
Alderman Rodriguez Sanchez. Alderman Viegas.
Alderman. Mit. Alderman Spaza.
Alderman Vazquez. Alderman Riley. Alderman Knutson.
Alderman Martin. Alderman Silverstein. Chair Dowell is here.
We have a quorum. We have 16 members.
Nine. Again, A yay. Yay.
I've got, uh, alderman, Cazada and Alderman.
Uh, Irvin have requested
to participate remotely at today's hearings
for reasons stated under the provision of Rule 59.
Can I have a motion to allow these aldermen to participate?
Alderman Mosley. So moves All those in favor
signify by saying aye.
Aye. Opposed? Any opinion of the chair? The ayes have it.
And we have confirmed Alderman, Casada and Mosley.
Um, alderman Martin Chu will be counted towards,
uh, quorum at this time.
We'll begin the public comment period.
The public comment period will be limited to 30 minutes out
of respect for everyone's time.
Each speaker is limited to three minutes.
Um, we have two people signed up for a public comment today.
The first one is George Blakemore.
There's something wrong here.
Morning, Mr. Blakemore.
Good morning, Mr.
Blakemore. I think you, you have a problem,
a mental problem yourself.
I'm, I'm sure you are down here again.
Well, where are the people?
Where are the black people?
Where are they? I think
that they don't even know what's going on.
And I think these black Altimas,
I'm not educating their constituents.
They're not informing them.
They keep them dumb down. What?
They can't exploit them.
When you know better, you do better.
This just didn't happen.
It just didn't happen. Someone is making this happen.
I just didn't go to Houston Tillerson College.
I didn't get no, no financial loan.
Somebody made it happen.
My daddy made it happen.
My mama made it happen.
My community made it happen.
And why did they want that to happen?
They wanted me to get an education, not only for me,
but to educate our people.
I'm a product of my community.
So if the black people are not here, it's because of them.
No black leadership,
not a and they want to keep it like this
where they can lead
and guide in the direction that they can get to wealth.
They are part of the machine.
They get paid
if something wrong with black people.
When I got up, they young lad over there,
Walter Burnett son just went over and,
and started talking to this man over here,
uh, like father, like son.
Mm-hmm. My father didn't want me to be like him.
He wanted me to be better than him to fly.
How than he. I'm a product of my community.
When you know better, you do better come with.
Thank you Mr. Blake Moore.
Our last speaker is Mr. Dennis White.
Okay? I wanna know, can you hear me?
Yes we can. Mr. White, please begin.
Um, I would like to know if you could raise your hand,
I mean, in this chamber informed a constituent in each ward.
What's going on in the budget hearing me?
Can you raise your hand? Point of mouth.
Okay. How many back here being informed by y'all Alderman,
can y'all raise your hands?
Okay, so those who inform their constituent, they do it.
Those who don't do it, they don't care.
So the question is,
when are you guys 50 of you all
besides this chamber will tell Brandon Johnson, no,
no, we cannot do this.
This budget is a disaster.
We cannot do affordable, uh, this affordable housing
that he's so adamant about,
but he's never said, well, the crime is up,
so we need more police to, uh, police the streets.
He don't say We need more money for the education system.
'cause these kids can't even read
past the eighth grade level.
That's proven fact. We over here having all these problems.
Now, CTA got a problem, they need money and stuff,
but then our Brandon Johnson did
something really ridiculous.
He pleaded to the United Nation to investigate Donald Trump.
Now that if that's not laughable, I don't know what you want
to call it, but he did it.
And I think, I don't know if we have a,
if y'all can impeach Brandon Johnson,
which I know you won't,
but he gonna continue on doing the same garbage
that Lori Fel has done for the next two years.
And then when he get voted outta office,
he know he's gonna get voted outta office.
He gonna say, well, a black man didn't get a chance
and stuff, but he had four years to get it together.
You all have four years to straighten him out.
So you, your seat's going to be in grave danger
if you guys don't get it together and stuff.
Because it take more than certain alderman who's
being disrespectful talking to somebody else instead
of paying attention to the speaker.
It take more than an ornament to look at cell phones
and stuff to see how,
what's on the Facebook channel and stuff.
You all work for us.
I don't remember us working for you guys and stuff
because our tax dollars paid for not only everything else,
but they pay for y'all salaries to represent us.
Take care of us in each ward. And now here we are again.
And whether you all care what we say
or not, you all going to pay the ultimate price when
that election season come.
Because now y'all going to try to be good.
You're gonna be nice. You might pass out turkeys
because it's close to Thanksgiving just for a vote.
It's not going to work. It shouldn't happen.
So, uh, it's time for you all
to tighten up 'cause it's getting close.
Thank you, Mr. White.
Uh, want to acknowledge Alderman Lopez
and Alderman Silverstein.
They will be counted towards quorum.
Um, we have a total of 18 items before us this morning
and one subject matter hearing item.
So we're gonna begin with the monthly Rule 45 report.
Uh, the October, 2025 monthly Rule 45 report
for the Committee on Finance,
which was electronically sent to everyone.
If there are no questions on this item, can I get a motion
to recommend approval of the monthly Rule 45 report?
So moved by Alderman Moore.
All those in favor of this motion signify by saying Aye.
Opposed in the opinion of the chair. The ayes have it.
Item number one is, uh, the motion carries.
Item number one is from the Department of law.
It's a communication transmitting reports of cases
in which verdicts, judgments
or settlements were entered into for the month
of October, 2025.
Uh, these reports were also sent electronically to everyone,
and if there are no objections,
this item will be placed on the file with the clerk.
Item number two from the Department
of Law are three proposed orders
authorizing the corporation counsel to enter into
and execute settlement orders in the following case.
Our first case A is male Lady Teda Rivera
and Helen Francisco versus City of Chicago,
officer l Gorsky, officer z nfe,
officer a Ick
and case number 2024 L
0 5 8 51 in the amount of $500,000.
Were joined by Margaret Mendenhall Casey from the Department
of Law Corporation Counsel.
Thank you chair, and good morning all This case arises out
of a June 8th, 2019 car accident where a fleeing offender,
Jacque Quinn Shockley drove into the wrong lane of traffic
and collided with a vehicle driven
by male lady Tejeda Rivera, who was 38 years old
with her daughter Helen Francisco,
16 years old as a passenger.
Male lady claims a neck fracture and PTSD.
As a result of the accident,
Helen claims soft tissue injuries
and psychological damage as a result of the accident.
The Department of Law recommends settlement in the amount
of $500,000.
At 9:20 PM Officer Gorski was driving a squad car
with Officer Ack
and Officer NFI as passengers at Laverne and Walton.
The officers observed Akia disobey a stop sign.
The officers pulled up next to the Kia,
recognized offender shockley as a driver,
and knew he had an active warrant.
The light turned green
and the Kia turned onto Chicago Avenue.
The officers initiated a traffic stop
and the Kia briefly stopped before pulling away.
Officer Gorski activated his license sirens
and followed the Kia.
Officer NFI reported the pursuit
to OEMC indicating they were pursuing for a traffic offense.
The officers did not mention offender shockley
or that offender Shockley had a warrant.
Per GPS officers reached a top speed of 56 miles per hours
and the Kia went eastbound on Chicago.
It then disobeyed a stoplight
and turned into a CTA maintenance facility.
POD video captures the Kia exit the CTA lot turned in front
of another car and proceeds south on Pulaski.
The Kia got to 80 to 100 miles per hour.
Police exited the lot five seconds
after the Kia at 600 North Pulaski.
The police reached 59 miles per hour.
Officer Gersky terminated the pursuit at 5 47.
Pulaski and GPS indicates
that the police vehicle slowed down
to 42 miles per hour at 4 38 Pulaski before the accident.
At 4 21 Pulaski, the key crossed into the opposite lane
of traffic and struck the plaintiff's car head on.
The officers were 0.3 miles away when the accident occurred.
PI camera footage and Officer
K's body worn are the only video footage of this incident.
Offender Shockley passed away as a result of the accident.
The Kia was uninsured
and contraband was not recovered from the fleeing vehicle.
Offender shock's car was stolen,
however, the officers did not know it at the time
of the alleged pursuit.
At the time of the alleged pursuit,
offender Shockley had an active warrant
for a probation violation.
An investigation into this matter occurred.
Uh, as to Officer Gorsky's, um,
Gorsky Copa recommended 180 day suspension.
A arbitrator imposed a three day suspension
for body-worn camera violation.
As to Officer nfi, Cobra rep recommended a 10 day suspension
for failure to, uh, correctly notify OEMC
and body-worn camera violation.
This was grieved and reduced down to three days.
As to Officer Gosky, uh, Copa recommended three days
for premature deactivation of body-worn camera.
This was grieved down to a reprimand as to damages.
My lady who was the mother
and the driver was transported
to the hospital from the scene.
She was diagnosed with a neck fracture
and underwent surgery where screws and plates were placed.
She remained hospitalized for eight days.
My lady attended physical therapy throughout 2022
and, uh, her doctor opined she'll have future neck pain
and may need surgery in the future.
She also sustained a cut on her hand, which led
to a one inch scar.
My lady received counseling for anxiety,
depression and PTSD.
Um, she did have pre-existing anxiety and depression.
Her therapist testified that she had PTSD related
to the incident until a little over a
year after the accident.
And the city's expert agreed with this opinion.
Um, a lady is not seeking lost wages
and her medical bills totaled 200,000.
Helen, the daughter was taken to the hospital
and treated for soft tissue injuries and cuts to her face
and head and released the same day.
From April through November of 2022.
Helen treated with a therapist for issues including coping
with the accident and achieved her therapy goals.
Helen's medical bills total 35,000.
So in total there's 235,000 in economic
damages in the record.
The plaintiff initially demanded 1.535 million at trial.
My lady will seek compensation for past and future pain
and suffering, past and future loss of mor normal life,
past emotional distress, medical bills,
and disfigurement as to how
and the daughter, she would seek compensation for pain
and suffering, loss of normal life,
emotional distress, and medical bills.
Therefore, the Department
of Law recommends settlement in the amount
of $500,000 on this matter.
Uh, thank you Margaret.
I wanna acknowledge Alderman Mitchell has joined us
and will be counted towards
form Alderman Moore.
Thank you Chairman. My apologies for not a, um,
attending the briefing due to a conflict.
And as much as you can, if it can be discussed in this form,
the, when you say failure to notify OMC properly, is it
because they didn't say he had a warrant
because they did notify OMC when they began to chase?
From what I heard, no one never called it off. Right.
So yes, the, the pursuit WA was not called off
and you are, you're accurate
and not the finding of failure
to properly notify OMC was, um, the failure
to tell OEMC that, um, they recognized the driver
and that they knew that the driver had a warrant.
And if you can, would that somehow change anything?
I, I, I, I'm, I'm, I'm sure I'm
Lost. So I, I'll
talk about how it may change the,
the scope of the case.
If we were to proceed to trial, the plaintiff would argue
that essentially the police, um,
after the fact are utilizing the fact
that offender Shockley had a warrant to justify the pursuit.
The plaintiff would argue that if this, um,
alleged pursuit happened for two minutes, why did the,
and they knew it was offender shockley in the car
and they knew offender Shockley had a warrant.
Why throughout those two minutes
did the officers not notify OEMC about it?
Why throughout those two minutes
was there nothing captured on the body-worn camera?
Um, reflecting that they knew offender shockley
and knew he had a warrant?
It, it, it does change, um, the, the case
and certainly the plaintiff would argue that, you know,
they're just coming up with this
after the fact to justify the pursuit.
That's the argument the plaintiff would make. Alright,
Thank you Chairman.
Thank you. Alderman Moore. Alderman Beal,
Madam Chairman.
You know, I mean, this is a darn if you do,
darn if you don't, kind of scenario
because, um, if the person had,
if they had basically, uh, pulled the person over
and he had,
and he didn't have a warrant mistaken identity,
we'd have been in the same or worse scenario, you know?
So I don't think the officer should prematurely put
that on the air because it may be the wrong person.
They think it was him, but it could have been
potentially the wrong person.
So that's number one.
But my second point, scenarios like this,
where I know it probably is rare,
but do we e has either one of these, the city
or the people that got hit, went
after any damages from the guy that was driving the car,
the stolen car, any personal items, house savings, whatever.
So typically the city of Chicago does, um,
name the fleeing offender as a defendant
if the plaintiff has failed to do so.
In this particular case,
because the fleeing offender, first he was a minor
and second, he died as a result of, of this incident.
Um, there's not really anything to, to go after.
He was a minor. And even more importantly, he passed away
as a result of the incident.
But it is, um, my practice within my division,
if the plaintiff has not sued the fleeing offender,
the city sues the fleeing offender.
Okay. And you say minor. How old was
He? 17.
And he also is deceased as a result
of the accident. Thank
You.
Okay. Thank you Alderman Beal, seeing no other questions?
Uh, can I get a motion to approve Item number two A.
So move who moved? So moved by Alderman Beal.
Recommending do pass.
All those in favor signify by saying Aye. Aye. Opposed?
In the opinion, alderman Quinn, we will
record you as a no.
Um, this matter, the due pass recommendation
with the exception of Alderman Quinn at this time,
will be reported out at the no November 14th,
city Council meeting.
Item number two B is Joseph Onna, Sonya
versus City of Chicago
and Bolden case number 2023 L
27 93 and the amount of $750,000.
This case will also be reported out by Margaret Mindenhall,
Casey of the Department of Law.
Thank you Chair. This case stems from a car accident
that occurred on July 20th, 2022 at the intersection
of 69th in St.
Lawrence and South Chicago. So three-way intersection.
Officer Bolden rear ended Joseph on,
who was then 51 years old.
As a result, Mr on underwent two surgeries
and claims ongoing back pain.
The Department of Law recommends settlement in the amount
of 750,000 for this matter
at 4:40 AM Officer Bolden
and William departed the third district police station
to investigate a call for a missing person
while driving northwest on South Chicago Avenue.
Officer Bolden crash into the rear of Mr.
Sen's vehicle that was stopped at a red light.
Officer Williams body-worn camera shows Officer Bolden
driving 30 miles per hour and making no attempt at braking.
Prior to impact with the plaintiff's car,
the impact pushed plaintiff's car to
car lengths into the intersection.
At the time of the accident, the ground was dry
and the officer's lights
and siren were not activated
as they were not responding to an emergency.
Mr. Ons vehicle sustained rear bumper damage,
a shattered rear windshield, and a bent back seat door.
The CPD vehicle sustained front edge damage
and frame damage.
Officer Bolden does not know how the accident occurred.
Officer Bolden only recalled
that she was approaching the intersection just
before the accident and that the impact
with plaintiff's vehicle was hard.
Officer Williams was looking
for paperwork in the glove box at the time of the accident
and did not observe the events prior to the impact.
Mr. Onai was driving to his job
as a stalker at Stroger Hospital and was wearing a seatbelt.
Officer Williams' body-worn camera is the only video
footage of this incident.
Mr. Onai went from the scene
of the accident to the hospital.
He was diagnosed with soft tissue injuries
and discharged the same day in August of 2022.
Mr. Onan received steroid injections,
but he failed to respond to the treatment.
In October of 2022, he underwent back surgery where a part
of a herniated disc was removed
and the surgery left a four to five inch scar on his back.
In June and December of 23, Mr.
Onai had additional steroid injections.
And in February of 2025,
a doctor implanted a spinal cord stimulator into his back.
As of April of this year, Mr.
Reported ongoing pain,
but noted the stimulator did reduce his pain.
Mr. On passed medical bills, total fi uh,
$656,000.
His spinal surgeon will testify
that maintaining the spinal cord stimulator over his
lifetime will require $540,000 in future medical bills.
So therefore, in total there, 1.12 million in passed
and future medical bills in the record.
Prior to the accident, Mr.
Onai worked at Stroger Hospital as a medical supply stalker.
He did not work from the date of the accident until February
of 23 when he resigned, doctors excused him from work up
to the point that he resigned.
The trial judge in this matter, Melissa Durkin ruled
that lost wages from the date of the incident into the date
of trial could be presented to the jury,
which totals $195,000.
Therefore, in total, the plaintiff claims 1.38 million
in medical damages,
or excuse me, economic damages including medical bills
as well as lost wages.
The city retained an expert
and they opine that only 30 days of Mr.
Onion's treatment is related to the accident,
which totals $19,500.
In September of 2024, the plaintiff made a demand,
um, for $3 million.
If this matter were to proceed to trial,
the plaintiff would seek compensation
for passing future pain
and suffering, passing future loss of normal life,
passing future medical bills, lost wages, and disfigurement.
The Department of Law recommends settlement in the amount
of $750,000 for this matter.
Uh, thank you Margaret. I have a question on this one.
Do we know why Officer Bolden failed
to stop?
I mean, what was the distraction?
We don't know why Officer Bolden, um, failed to stop.
Officer Bolden says that she does not recall, um,
what occurred, uh, essentially leading to the accident.
And her partner, officer William, uh, testifies
that he was looking in the glove box at the
time of the impact.
Any questions for members of the, uh, committee,
uh, alderman Hopkins?
Before I call you in for a question, I want
to acknowledge Alderman Hopkins
and Alderman Harris has joined us
for Quorum Alderman Hopkins.
Yeah, you mentioned body, uh, camera,
uh, footage was available.
What about dash camera footage
There? Um, was no
dash camera footage in this case?
Was the, uh, vehicle not equipped
or was it not functional?
Gimme just one moment.
My, I I can answer that question through the chair.
Thank you. Mm-hmm. Thank you Alderman Hopkins.
Seeing no other questions, can I get a, a motion
for approval of this item?
Item two B. So moved by Alderman Mitchell.
Recommending do pass. All those in favor
signify by saying Aye.
Aye. And the, uh, all those opposed
and the opinion of the chair, the ayes habit,
the Do Pass recommendation will be reported out at the
next city Council meeting.
Thank you, Margaret. Item number two C
is Masonette versus Guevara.
Etal case number 18, CV 2342
in the amount of $17 million.
And for that, we will be joined
by Jessica Falker from the Department
of Law. Good morning, Jessica.
Good morning, chair. Nice suit.
You too. Uh, good morning.
I'm here to present Mason at versus Gura.
Uh, as the chair referenced,
we recommend settlement in the amount of $17 million.
Jose, me Masonette brought this reverse conviction lawsuit
against Ronaldo Guevara
and others claiming that he had been wrongfully convicted
of the 1990 double murders of Brothers Torrance
and Kevin Wiley when Masonette was arrested.
He was 22 years old.
Masonette was convicted of those murders in 1995
and sentenced to life without parole.
He spent 27 years in custody
until his conviction was overturned and charges dismissed.
In 2017, the Wiley brothers were shot to death
at 34 28 West North Avenue in
Latin King territory.
Masonette first came to officer's attention
because he had been charged with an attempted murder
for a drive-by shooting near Bri.
Defendants state that Masonette was brought voluntarily in
for questioning at Area five about the Wiley murders.
Masonette denies that it was voluntary
and claims he was arrested.
Masonette who was a Latin king was que
questioned multiple times and originally denied involvement,
but eventually confessed to detectives
that he drove three other Latin kings, Alfredo Gonzalez,
Chris Goons, and Justino Cruz, whom he had
provided a gun to the site of the murders
and watched as they approached the
brothers and he heard shots.
Masonette alleges that he was in custody for 17 hours.
His statement was false.
He was beaten and threatened by Guevara
and other detectives into confessing
and implicating the others,
and he soiled himself While in custody being interviewed
after his confession to Guevara, Masonette was interviewed
by a SA Frank DeFranco.
Masonette said that at at
that time it was apparent he had urinated
and defecated him on himself, and that he had been beaten.
Masonette gave a court reported statement.
He denies however, and maintains
that the confession was false.
Mason's girlfriend gave a statement that night, on the night
of the murder, she was home, excuse me, gave a,
gave a statement that on the night of the murder,
she was home with Masonette.
When the other three involved came over, asked for a gun,
she gave them a gun, and the four men left Masonette
returned a couple of hours later stating he was driving
around with the men,
and that later he told her two men were shot.
She testified to this at the criminal trial.
The girlfriend now states,
however, that she was threatened by detectives.
And although those things happened,
it was on a different date.
Dins Gonzalez and Cruz were also arrested, charged,
and prosecuted for the double murder.
Goons never made a statement, Gonzalez confessed,
but he claims he remained in the car.
Well, he, in his confession,
he claimed he remained in the car while the other three left
to commit the fatal shooting.
Cruz also confessed.
His story was consistent with Masonette.
He said he left the car to act
as a lookout while Masonette stayed in the car
and the other two committed the shooting.
Like Masonette Gonzalez was convicted and sentenced to life.
Cruz pled guilty and testified against goons,
but Goons was found not guilty.
Masonette pled guilty to the attempted murder
and was given a sentenced concurrent of 15 years.
Cruz and Gonzales also alleged that they were physically
and psychologically abused into confessing.
Cruz's conviction is still intact.
Gonzales conviction, however, was overturned in 2022
and he filed his own lawsuit pending against the
officers in the city.
Goon two goons two claims he was beaten and threatened,
but he did not confess.
Masonette sought post-conviction relief alleging
that his conviction should be overturned
because of Guevara's alleged pattern
and practice of misconduct, as well as a conflict
of interest by Mason's criminal defense attorney,
who also represented Guevara in child support proceedings.
In October, 2016,
the state admitted Masonite's criminal counsel had a
conflict of interest and moved to vacate the conviction
and retry Masonette.
However, on November 15th, 2017,
the state's attorney's office dismissed the charges
after Guevara
and several other detectives advised
that their clients would assert the Fifth Amendment
privilege if not given immunity.
Guevara, however, is the only officer
who remains asserting his Fifth Amendment privilege today.
Masonette was released shortly thereafter.
His petition for a certificate
of innocence was denied on August 15th, 2022.
He has filed a motion to reconsider,
but it according to the docket, it remains pending today.
Mason's attempted murder conviction was also overturned
because he was represented by the same attorney
who had the conflict in the Wiley murder trial.
Even though that case did not involve Guevara in this case,
guava Ma Masonette originally demanded $39 million
to settle Cook County.
And a SA DiFranco were also sued,
and they settled for 2.4 million.
Masonette has sued the city, uh,
for due process violations based on fabrication,
including masonite's confession
and suppression of evidence, failure to intervene,
federal malicious prosecution, federal conspiracy,
and a monell pattern
and practice claim against the city as well
as other state law claims.
If this case is not settled, we will proceed
to trial in February, 2026,
where Masonette will likely seek 2 million
or more per year of in incarceration.
The city would be responsible
for Mason's attorney's fees if he were to succeed at trial,
which could be in the range of three to 4 million
considering the risk of litigation the 27 years Masonette
was in custody, the lack of physical evidence
or eyewitnesses and the allegations against Guevara,
who is asserting the Fifth Amendment privilege
and declining to testify.
The law department recommends the city settle this case
for 17 million total
or approximately 630,000 per year in incarceration.
Thank you. Jessica. I call on Alderman osha,
alderman osha, you had a question?
No. Oh, oh, uh, sorry.
Just, uh, adding you to quorum. Any questions on this item?
Alderman Sdo.
Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you, Jessica. Appreciate it.
Um, um, Gonzalez is, has a pending lawsuit also.
That's correct. And Cruz is, uh, last man, uh,
sitting, I guess I could say. Correct.
His conviction's still intact.
So the history of these, uh, three individuals, we,
we know they were gang members.
Any more to that? Did they have any
felony charges against them?
Did they have any serious, uh, crimes charged against them?
So Mason had had obviously the felony attempted murder,
but that was overturned.
I can read you the rest of his, uh, criminal history.
Just a moment.
And, and why is it only attempted murder? Not murder?
I, that's one thing I forgot to ask. So,
So that was a different crime.
That was a drive by, um, in which nobody was killed. Okay.
Um, so all of his prior arrests, um,
did not end in a conviction after he was released here.
He did have, uh, two arrests,
but those also did not end in a conviction.
Okay. And then, and then the shooter was never found other
than now we think it's Cruz.
'cause he is the last man sitting in jail. Well,
Cruz is, conviction is still intact. Yeah. Okay.
All right. Thank you. Thank you, Madam Chair.
Thank you. Alderman Sdo. Alderman Irvin.
Alderman Irvin. Your hand is up.
Yes, ma'am. Um, quick question.
Uh, and this is for the attorneys.
Um, how many more of these vara cases do we have?
Number one. And then are we looking to do something similar
to what we did with that last set of cases,
the watt sets of cases?
So we can try to deal with this, uh, whole in whole?
Uh, thank you for the question, alderman.
We have 39 cases pending, but that includes this one
and three others that we have also reached settlements in
that we are waiting to present to this body.
So 35 other than, uh, those four.
And we will not comment on pending litigation, um,
or our strategies to resolve them.
Okay. Uh, we'll have
another conversation and thank you much.
Uh, thank you, uh,
seeing no other questions from members of the committee.
Can I get a motion to recommend approval
of item number two C?
So moved by Alderman Lee.
Recommending do pass all those in favor
of the motion signify by saying Aye.
Opposed in the opinion of the chair.
The ayes have it in This item will be reported out at the
next city council meeting.
Um, alderman Fuentes, we recognize you
as a non-member who's here with us today.
And also Alderman Mana Howorth.
Um, Mr. Senek, come on.
Item number three is from the Department of Finance,
an ordinance amending the municipal code section two dash 32
dash 85
regarding the Employee Charitable Contribution Program.
Um, we're joined to day by, uh, Michael
Pin Neck, who is the project administrator from
the Department of Finance.
Good morning. Thank you Madam Chairwoman,
members of the committee.
Uh, today I am here
to present an ordinance making a small change
to the voluntary charitable deduction, uh, program
that the City of Chicago, uh, runs.
Um, this as a, uh, refresher from when I was,
uh, here in June.
Previously, uh, this program was the most current iteration
of this program was established in 2007.
The city has had versions of, of it going back
to the 1980s, 1990s.
Uh, this is not a matching program.
There is no city money given to the listed nonprofits.
The program itself allows city employees to deduct
a certain amount of their post-tax income to up to,
uh, 10 charities.
At present. Uh, there is a maximum
of 30 charities that can participate.
Uh, the application process, uh, the charity, uh,
fills out a CFO created application where
among other things, they certify their tax exempt status,
certify that they operate in a human service area,
that the ordinance, uh, says is eligible certified,
that they will cover program costs, uh,
and submit to us various, uh, reports
and information that we ask for.
The addition and removal of any specific charity is subject
to the, uh, city council.
So the ordinance, uh, that we, uh, s request fully, uh,
seek approval of, um, ads earth share, uh,
to the program or previously participated
as Earth Share Illinois, which is a legally distinct entity
that was dissolved as part of
a reorganization earth share did of its state chapters.
Uh, to accommodate the addition of earth share,
we would remove community health charities of Illinois,
which, uh, no longer exists.
So, as mentioned, earth Share participated
as earth share Illinois, the national organization
did a reorganization that dissolved, uh, most state chapters
during its time.
Uh, earth share raised, uh,
$77,000 annually from about 200 employees.
Uh, earths share as an organization does not just part,
did not just participate in our,
uh, employee appeal.
It also, uh, participates in the state
and university employee appeal, CPS,
and pay suburban buses as well.
So they, uh, are longstanding charity
with experience in this area.
Um, the charity that would be removed, uh,
is Community Health Charities of Illinois.
They are an original program participant from 2007.
They merged into a legally distinct
charity called CHC Creating Healthier Communities.
Um, and they, that organization has, uh, applied,
um, for consideration to the program.
So you may be seeing an application, uh,
for your consideration from them shortly.
Uh, so that concludes my presentation.
Thank you, Madam Chair.
Uh, yes, I do have an appendix for those who are, uh, yeah,
I asked him to show the appendix so that the members
of the committee can just get a sense of
who is currently on, on the list.
Okay. Um, alderman Riley, we will count you towards quorum.
We can send this out to you. Alderman Harris and Moseley.
That's, it'll be sent to everyone.
Um, alderman Lopez,
well, vice Chair Conway, and then Alderman Lopez.
Yeah, could you just go back to the be beginning
of the slide one?
So let make it slide two.
Um, when you say deduct post
tax income, deduct where?
Sorry. Um, it is from an employee's, uh, paycheck.
Oh, so it would be, so,
Okay. Yes. Just clarifies
that this is after taxes is all.
So, okay. So it would, it's a, it is a way
for essentially the wages to be garnished, I,
garnish is not the right word, but taken from paycheck
and sent to the charity directly. Is that kind of the
Yes. Okay.
All right. That's, that's all I,
'cause obviously we were all allowed to give money the March
of Dimes and deduct down our taxes,
but I didn't understand why this program
was necessary, but I got it.
I'm all set. Thank you. Madam Chairwoman.
Thank you. Alderman Lopez, followed by Alderman sdo.
Thank you Chairman, and good
morning members of the committee.
Can we go back to that, uh, list of program participants?
So I have a couple questions if you don't mind.
First off, yes. Chairman, if we could have this sent to all
of us through the chair, um, as well as, can we have,
how much is raised for all 30
of these in on an annual basis?
Um, yes. Through the chair or through
The chair, unless you have it now.
Um, I'll take that through the chair. Okay.
So You don't have time to go through all 30.
Oh, we have plenty of time.
Chairman, no one wants to hear about Ernst and Young.
We want to hear about charities.
So the other slides said
that only 30 are allowed.
Is that by ordinance? That it's limited to 30?
Yes, that is by, uh, ordinance.
And that change was made recently
because the, uh, payroll software only allows up to 30.
Um,
And is there any kind of review
to see if these are actually charities
that are still in good standing charities
that are still functional, charities
that are still supported by city council?
Or are these just, uh, set up set and forgotten?
So, um, since I've taken over the program, there was, uh,
a lapse between, uh, employees.
Um, but we do, uh, keep an eye on these things. I'm
Sorry, what is, what was that?
So we do, uh, for every, uh, now
and again, reach out, um, they are required
to submit an annual report.
Uh, I have been working on getting people on, uh,
electronic payments that we're not sending paper checks
and, uh, updating contacts
and things like that will be included in the annual report
that I submit to, uh, chairwoman Dowell on this program.
Okay. So appreciate that. But that wasn't the question.
So are we checking to make sure that these are still
functional entities that are keeping in line with
what the city council wants?
Do we review them? Like is there like a five year review
to see if they're still doing what they're mission
and what they're do what they're saying
that they're supposed to do?
'cause only a handful. I would say maybe three.
Look as though they are new additions.
Um, most notably the Black Fire Brigade,
which I think is in its eighth year.
And I think Chairman Curtis could, uh, uh, uh,
alderman Curtis couldn't attest to how many years,
but I think a lot of these have kind
of just been floating around.
So I'd like to make sure that they are still keeping,
how do we make ensure that they're still in keeping
with the spirit of what this body wishes to provide
to its employees.
So, And if that doesn't exist,
then just simply say, not at this time.
I'm going to say not at this time.
Fair enough. Okay. Then if you could also share
with us then the enabling ordinance for this so
that we could take a look to see what we can do to ensure
that we have
review periods to determine whether
or not that these are the charities
that are employees are engaging with.
Are these the ones that we want to engage with?
Because I think that there are plenty of other, um,
opportunities that exist throughout the city of Chicago, uh,
that could use our support and funding.
You know, I, I love many of these charities,
but some of these charities are multimillion dollar
conglomerate, uh, organizations.
I'd rather focus on those charities
that exist within the city of Chicago that need our help,
that want our help, um,
and are looking for funding from, from the city
that they exist in.
So, love to continue that conversation chairman and
Beyond the review that the, the Department of Finance does
for the annual reports and whether they're viable
or not, the the who is on these, uh,
who are part organizations that are part
of this program are selected and deselected by this council.
So you know that, right? Yep. Okay. Um,
I have, as we're doing today,
I have one, um, question.
I think I asked you this when you came to see me.
I, I think that we need to let the employees know
that this program exists so they can opt in.
I mean, I, I don't know how you opt in.
So if you could just talk about
how employees can opt into this program
and about the department's willingness to put out some kind
of notice to let employees know that this program exists.
Of course. Um, this is included in, um, orientation,
uh, materials
Beyond orientation Orientation materials.
Um, we do have it on the website.
I am working with the department of, uh, finance
to have a dedicated page to this outside of, um,
the larger payroll page.
And we can use the, uh, internal,
uh, emails that we have for other, uh, HR matters
and internal employee matters to, uh,
Yeah, that's what I'm getting at.
I think you need to send email, an email to employees
to let them know that this program exists.
So if they're interested in, um, giving money
to the Black Fire Brigade or,
or whoever else is on this list, they can do so
Aldermans bdo.
Thank you Madam Chair.
I've been working for the city for 32 years
and I've known about this program,
so we've done a pretty good job getting the word out.
I would guess So. Um, Mike Ray kind of hijacked my question,
so I'll modify it a little bit.
So, um, that was my question.
What they, it's not gonna do me any good.
We're not, it's not gonna do us any good to know
what they collected from inception.
So maybe if we could break it down
for the last couple years, you know, 23
and 24, you know, just, just to know who's, you know,
who needs help, who doesn't, if anybody, um, you know what,
basically it's just a deduction.
You could go down and see Sheila, you could fill out a piece
of paper and you could sign up for the ones
with the dollar amount you want,
withdrawn from your, uh, from your check.
Thank you Madam Chair. Thank
You. Alder. Miss Bedo,
alderman
Waba, followed by Alderman Mitchell.
Thank you Chairwoman. Um, it was mentioned
that Erha Illinois dissolved.
Was there a reason behind that? Um,
That, um, Or what was the reason?
Yeah, they, uh, just said that it was part of an organ,
a reorganization to, uh, streamline operations.
I'm guessing that there are, uh, certain costs
with compliance to watching a bunch
of statewide chapters versus bringing things, uh, in-house.
So Chicago would be the main chapter now that they,
that would go on this list.
Uh, like Chicago,
It would be their national organization
that would be on the list the same way the American Cancer
Society and American Heart Society are.
Okay. So they're outta DC actually.
They're, uh, remote workforce.
They do have an office in dc Their CEO uh, lives in, uh,
the Chicago metro area.
Okay. Okay. Thank you.
Thank you. Alderman Alderman Mitchell.
Um, thank you. She piggybacking off of, um, on respect,
um, was it verified that the mission
of the organization still remained the same through this?
Yes, it was. Okay.
Alright. And the second question is, do you have
how much collectively the employees of the City
of Chicago have donated to collectively to this?
Um, for, for this calendar year, it will, uh,
be approximately $421,000.
Can you do have a comparison
to last year, a year over year or
That last year it was about $420,000.
We, as some people retire,
there was the minimum was and still is, uh, $3.
So those employees retire.
There are very few people in the year 2025 who,
when they join this program, are splitting $3 10 ways.
And so that is why the contributors went down,
but the dollar amount went slightly up.
Okay. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you Jay.
Thank you Alderman. Um, is there a motion
to recommend approval of item number three?
So moved by Alderman Moley recommending Due Pass.
All those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye.
Pose in the opinion of the chair, the ayes have it,
and a Due pass recommendation will be reported out at the
next city Council meeting.
Thank you, Mr. Pennick.
Neck item number four, from the Department of Housing,
an ordinance authorizing the issuance
of tax exempt multifamily housing revenue bonds
to the Martha H-H-D-C-L-L-C
for the acquisition
and renovation of Martha Washington Apartments
located at 2324 West Irving Park Road in the 47th
Ward, in an amount not to exceed $14 million.
We're joined by Dina Wayne from the Department of Housing.
Good morning, Dina. Good
Morning. Thank you, chair.
So,
as the chair has just said, I'm here to present, um,
a bond issuance and multifamily financing
for the MA Martha Washington Apartments.
Located at 2324 West Irving Park Road.
In the 47th Ward, the North Center community area,
we are asking for permission to issue up
to have city council issue up
to $14 million in tax exempt revenue bonds,
and up to $3 million in multifamily loan funds.
The owner and the borrower, the Martha, uh, HHDC, Litech,
LLC, the developer Evergreen Real Estate Services, architect
of Record, nor Architects
Skeer is a general contact tractor.
Applegate is the attorney, the lender, CIBC Bank, USA
and Evergreen Real Estate Services will manage the property.
The little red box there at the corner
of Western and Irving Park.
The northeast corner represents
the location of the property.
Here's a photo. Uh,
this building was built in 2005
and received home funds at the time
from the city of Chicago.
It was purchased by a related entity
of this applicant in 2022,
and they knew that they would come back for, uh, financing
to do a, a moderate rehab of the building.
And that's what we're here for today.
There are 103 affordable senior units in the
one five Story building.
Uh, these units consist of four studios, 87 1 bedrooms,
and 12 two bedroom units, all affordable between 30
and 80% a MI.
The total project costs are 41.7 million.
Much of that is, uh, the acquisition.
The land is quite valuable up in this area.
They're proposing to close at the end of January,
start in February of 2026,
and complete the project a little over a year later.
And the budget here, you can see
the funding for the project.
A lot of the funding are loans that,
existing loans on the property that are going
to be assumed by the new buyer.
That includes a HUD 2 23 F loan of $3.9 million.
Uh, the HUD loan, which is the initial 5 million
or so that was issued by the city plus interest,
which now comes to 9.1 $9.1 million.
Uh, the 4% low income housing tax credits of 13.1 million
that are gonna result from the bond issuance,
the seller note, which is the bonds of $12.9 million.
Currently, the multifamily funds are estimated to be 2.57,
again for that total of, uh,
41.7 million for total sources.
The rehab cost comes to about 402,000 per unit.
Again, a more specific breakout of the unit mix, um,
ranging from the, the 30%, uh, 15% of the cliff units up
to the 80% a MI units.
The new tax credit funding will create an additional 20
unit, 20 units, 20 years of unit affordability.
In order to meet the environmental sustainability
requirements of the city, they're going
to have indoor water reduction, CTA digital displays,
and, uh, 80% waste diversion.
Again, we're, uh, expecting to pass council this month, um,
close at the end of January,
start in construction in February,
and complete construction about a year later.
And this is our request, again,
14 million in tax exempt bonds
and up to 3 million in multifamily home funds.
I'm joined by, uh, in the area in the chambers,
Jack Morris from Evergreen.
Um, their attorney, Paul Davis from
Applegate and Bond Council.
Glenn Um Weinstein from Miller Canfield. Thank you.
Uh, thank you. Dina Alderman Martin was here this morning
and has indicated his support for the project.
He's also signed a letter of support for this project.
Um, are there any questions related
to this project from members of the committee?
Seeing no questions, is there a motion to recommend approval
of item number four?
So moved by Alderman Moseley. Recommending Do Pass.
All those in favor signify by saying Aye. Aye. Opposed?
In the opinion of the chair, the ayes have it,
and we do pass recommendation.
We'll report it out at the next City Council meeting.
Item number five is from the Department of Housing as well.
It's an ordinance authorizing the First Amendment
to the redevelopment agreement
with Renaissance Apartments LP
to adjust the project completion date
for the property located at 37 45
through 37 63 South Wabash
and the Third Ward.
Um, Gina Wayne will also report on this project.
Okay. Some of you may remember the Renaissance Apartments.
It's located in, in Bronzeville, incher S Ward.
Um, and it is a former YMCA
with a residential facility that was first, um,
renovated in 1996 or so.
And, um, they came to the
council about two years ago.
They wanted to have money to rehab the SRO units.
We, they were granted those funds, uh,
and they were supposed to complete the project
by October of last year.
They had, uh, some construction delays, including, um,
it taking longer to relocate some of the disabled residents,
which then held up the elevator.
Um, progress. They, um, had some specialty windows
and doors, which also took much longer
to get than they thought.
So the construction of the project is now finished.
They don't need any more money,
but in order for them to receive their final TIFF payment,
um, we need to extend the project term, the, the, uh,
of the redevelopment agreement so that they're eligible
to receive that last TIFF payment.
We're currently, uh, saying that they, that
that period should be extended to March 31st, 2026.
And that's largely because they also have to complete, um,
a phase one that's a state requirement.
We know the environmental conditions, they're fine.
They did a phase two,
but for whatever reason, the state requires a,
a current phase one
and, um, they have to update their current, their phase one.
So we're giving 'em a few extra months to do that
and expect that they will, um, have everything done
by March 31st, 2026, so that we can, again, process
that final TIFF payment.
The picture of the building, the, um,
again, the project passed Council in 2023,
closed in 2024 in April.
Um, they didn't finish the, um, construction.
And so they, um, again,
are here today concludes my presentation.
Thank you. Thank
You very much, Dina.
Uh, any questions from members of the council?
Uh, seeing none, can I get a motion to approve this item?
So moved by Alderman LASA for recommending approval
for item number five.
All those in favor signify by saying Aye.
Opposed in the opinion of the chair.
The ayes have it,
and the DO pass recommendation will be reported out at the
next city Council meeting.
Uh, thank you, Dina. Thank you.
Item number six from the Department of Housing
is an ordinance authorizing the execution
of a new grant agreement
with the Chicago Low Income Housing Trust Fund
to provide rental housing support program assistance
for affordable housing projects.
For this, we are joined by Brian James from the Department
of Housing and Tamara Collins, also
with the Department of Housing.
Good morning chair News members. Thank you.
Uh, for the record, my name is Brian James.
As chair stated, I serve as the program director
for Renter Protections within Department of Housing
and Bureau of Home Ship Programs.
Today, on behalf of DOH,
we respectfully request the authorization
to renew the Chicago Chicago Low Income Housing Trust Fund
contract for fiscal year 2026.
These renewals allow the department
to continue administering critical rental subsidy programs
that ensure housing stability for
our lowest income residents.
The Chicago Low Income Housing Trust form,
or Cliff was created by City Council in 1989
to provide rental assistance
to extremely low income households, defined as those earning
below 30% of area median income.
The Trust operates as a not-for-profit partner of the city,
under a intergovernmental framework that authorizes the city
to pass through designated housing funds for administration
and subsidy distribution.
Uh, importantly, the Trust is the city's designated local
administrative agency under the State Rental Housing Support
Program Act, ensuring Chicago maintains direct local control
over state rental assistance funds
and full compliance with IDA and state regulations.
The department is seeking authorization to renew
and execute the Chicago Low Income Housing Trust funds
contract for a two year term, covering fiscal years 26
and 27, with a one year renewal option for fiscal year 2028.
The trust fund agreement has been continuously renewed
or extended since 2016 with milestones in the,
in the past seven years.
Since 2026.
As of the third quarter of 2025,
the Trust fund administers rental assistance
for more than 2,590 households across
over 400 properties citywide.
Nearly half of all the units are reserved for households
below, uh, 30 or 15% a MI.
Reflecting the program's deep affordability focus,
all state developer
and city sources ultimately flow through the Department
of Housing before being allocated
to the Chicago Low Income Housing Trust Fund.
The State's Rental Housing Support program is funded
by Recordation Fee
and Administrative through Ida DOH Consolidates.
These sources manages the grant agreement with the trust
and insurance compliance and reporting
before the trust issues rent subsidies to property owners.
Uh, this is just a graphic showing the flow of resources
through the trust.
The trust funds operations are subject
to extensive oversight and reporting requirements.
The Trust must submit quarterly revenue
and exponential reports, annual expenditure, uh,
and annual compliance certifications.
Verified that all subsidized units meet income eligibility,
affordability, and inspection requirements,
which are all subject to City audit.
In addition, the department conducts monitoring visits,
audits, and landlord file reviews
to ensure all funds are used for eligible housing costs.
The Trust also maintains a Landlord Disqualification policy
requiring termination of participation
for any property owners who fail to correct housing quality
or code deficiencies within a prescribed timeframe.
In closing, department
of Housing respectfully requests authorization
to renew the show, Chicago Low Income Housing Trust Fund
contracts for fiscal year 2026.
Thank you, chair. Happy to answer any questions.
Thank you, Mr. James. Any questions for members
of the City Council on this matter?
Uh, alderman Farrell.
Um, Madam Chair, I just wanted to be recorded as present
for today's today's quote. Thank you.
Okay. Thank you. We got you.
Um, just wanted
to let everyone know I had asked the department
to provide me with, um, a list of the number
of, I guess, units in, in everyone's ward,
and I just received that this morning.
So we will be sending it out to
every member of the City council.
So you know how many, uh, low Income Housing Trust Fund,
low Income Housing Trust fund units you have in your ward.
Um, if there are no questions, can I get a motion
for due pass of this item?
So moved by Alderman Mitts.
All those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye.
Oppose in the opinion of the chair, the ayes have it,
and the DO pass recommendation will report it out at the
next city Council meeting.
Thank you, Mr. James. And thank you, Ms. Collins.
Thank you, chair. Item number seven
from the Department of Planning is an ordinance
concerning the authority to enter into
and execute an intergovernmental agreement
with the Chicago Park District for the allocation
of Cub Fund funds for the improvements at Kelly Park.
Located at 3,800 North Seminary in the 44th ward,
and in an amount not to exceed 500,000.
Um, we're joined by Beth
Tomlins from the Chicago Park District.
Hello, Beth. Good morning.
Good morning. Thank you, chair.
Good afternoon. Now. Afternoon.
Uh, thank you for having me. Yes.
Here to, um, seek approval for $500,000 of Cubs Fund funding
for towards Kelly Park at 3,800 North Seminary
in the 44th Ward.
This is the Lakeview Community area.
Um, this project is the $500,000 is going towards an over a
million dollar project, um,
for general site improvements throughout the park
to include concrete pathways, entrance improvements,
playground expansion, lighting.
Sorry, it's my job to move these. I forgot.
Oh, There we go. I apologize. Al. Um, here we go.
Uh, playground expansion, lighting, benches, and landscape.
Um, this is the balance
of funding will be coming from menu funds as well as,
uh, state grants.
This project has been long requested
by the community Community process started in 2019.
We are awarding the project for construction now with, um,
anticipation Construction in 2026 and completion in 2026.
Got it. Oh,
you don't have anything else you wanna say about this one?
Okay. Um, alderman Spto,
before you go, alderman Spto, I want to say
that Alderman Lawson is not here this morning,
but we do have a letter of support from him on this project.
Alderman Spto.
Uh, thank you Madam Chair.
I just, I'm guessing,
I know I don't wanna assume Cub Fund Chicago Cubs not
citizen to Utility Board, correct.
Chicago Cub's. Fun. Thank you. Thank you, Madam Chair.
Thank you. Uh, can I get a motion for approval
of item number seven?
So, moved by Alderman O'Shea recommending Due Pass.
All those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye.
I Oppose And the opinion of the chair. The ayes have it.
And the Do pass a recommendation will we report it out at
the next city Council meeting?
Moving on to item number eight from the Department
of Planning and Development
and Ordinance, concerning the authority to enter into
and execute an interim governmental agreement
with the Chicago Park District for the allocation
of TIF funds from the Clark Montrose TIF district
for improvements at Chase Park,
located at 47 0 1 North Ashland Avenue in the 47th Ward,
in an amount not to exceed 7 million. Beth,
Thank you again. Chair.
Yes.
This is Chase Park at 47 0 1 North Ashland in the 47th Ward.
Um, in the uptown community area,
we are requesting funding from the Clark Montrose Tiff,
which was extended to 2035.
We are requesting $7 million of funding.
The, the majority of
that about 6.4 million will go to the field house.
The field house was built in 1977.
It's a over 21,000 square foot field house
with a fitness center, club rooms, gymnasium,
and outdoor pool.
Uh, the building needs a lot of work.
So we're, we'll be doing building envelope restoration,
including windows and doors, HVAC
and gym ventilation, interior locker room upgrades,
and interior finishes.
In the exterior of the park,
we will rehabbing the tennis court and doing pathway paving.
We expect to be in design in 2026 with construction in 2027.
Uh, that's it. Thank you, Beth.
Um, we do have a letter of support from Alderman Martin.
Alderman Martin, do you wanna say anything about this?
You've got a couple of projects here today on the agenda,
so congratulations to you.
Yeah, thank you. I, I will take more responsibility
for this one than the Martha Washington, which is something
that my predecessor, um,
Jean Schol had been instrumental in putting in place.
We're happy that that is being maintained,
so thank the committee for that support with this one.
Uh, the, the,
the one point I would add is this was actually the genesis
of a community meeting
with our youth council at the Park District facility who met
with Alder Woman Clay and I, um,
and it was one of my rougher community meetings.
I will say. They really let us have it in terms of
how dissatisfied they were with the facilities
and urging us to work more collaboratively
with the park district to find solutions.
So I truly appreciate, um, Katie,
the Park District supervisor Beth as well, for working
with us over several years to put together a punch list
that wasn't, of course, the, the, um, youths with wishlist,
but is something that, um, addresses a lot
of their concerns, especially around the state
of the bathrooms, which were truly in terrible shape,
as well as the air conditioning needs in the facility.
Um, because this is really one
of our most well used park district facilities,
particularly for youth.
Um, happy to answer any questions
and would appreciate the
committee's favorable consideration. Thank you.
Thank you. Alderman Martin.
Seeing no questions from the members of the committee,
alderman Martin recommends do pass of this item.
All those in favor signify by saying Aye post
and the opinion of the chair of the ayes have it
and the do pass, the recommendation will be reported out at
the next city Council meeting.
Item number nine, also
with Beth Tomlins from the Park District is an ordinance
concerning the authority to enter into
and execute an intergovernmental agreement
with the Chicago Park District
for the allocation of TIFF funds.
From the Madden Wells TIFF District
for improvements at Ellis Park,
located at 35 20 South Cottage Grove Avenue in the fourth
ward in an amount not to exceed $1 million. Beth,
Thank you, chair.
Yes. This is Ellis Park, um,
at 35 20 South Cottage Grove in the fourth
Ward Alderman Robinson.
Uh, this is in the Oakland Douglas community area,
and we are requesting funds from the Mme. Wells, Madden,
Wells Tiff, which has been extended to 2038.
We are requesting 1 million million dollars in TIFF funding
to upgrade the play, upgrade the playground,
and the existing spray feature.
Uh, in 2016, we did a large development project here,
adding a field house, a brand new field house
with fitness center gym, and indoor pool.
However, at that time, the playground
and the spray feature were not in need of renovation.
It's been 10 years since then, and it's time to come back
and do the playground and spray feature.
As you can see, the existing conditions,
the spray feature is one of our old ones.
We're in the process of replacing
that are over about 30 years old.
And the playground was originally built in 2004
and needs complete replacement.
We will be in design in 2026
with construction in 2027. Are there any questions?
Thank you, Beth. Uh, we do have a letter
of support from Alderman Robinson.
Um, are there any questions from members of the committee?
Uh, seeing none, can I get a motion
to move forward on this item?
So moved by Alderman Knutson recommending Due Pass.
All those in favor signify by saying Aye. Aye.
Oppose and the opinion of the chair. The ayes have it.
And the due pass recommendation on this item will be
reported out at the next City Council meeting.
Uh, item number 10 is an ordinance concerning the authority
to enter into and execute an intergovernmental agreement
with the Chicago Park District for the allocation
of t tiff funds from the Madison Austin
Corridor TIFF District
for improvements at the Madison Community Plaza.
Located at 40 0 8 West Madison Avenue in the 28th Ward in
an amount not to exceed 500,000. Um, Beth,
Thank you.
This is the Madison Plaza, uh, 4,000 4 0 0 8 West Madison,
and the 28th Ward.
Alderman Irvin, the West Garfield Park community area.
We are requesting funds from the Madison Austin Tiff in an
amount of $500,000.
This TIFF was extended until 2035.
The, um, Madison Plaza Park 6 0 2, um, uh,
started in about 2021.
Uh, we have the Park District has a lease with the City
of Chicago for this property,
and we are activating it
as our only outdoor rollerskating rink.
Uh, the initial project opened in 22 with a temporary, um,
with temporary improvements for of, uh, $700,000.
And this is our phase two completion now in 2025, um,
with a balance of 1.4 million.
Uh, the funding came from the city cannabis fund at
1.5 million,
about a hundred thousand dollars from the park district.
And then this TIF request for half for, um, $500,000.
Here's some images of the project in its completed form,
it is programmed for the community.
Um, we offer free skate rentals, um,
and it's a very active and popular site for the community.
Thank you, Beth. I just curious about one question.
How large is that lot? Is it a
It is. I
have it written. Point four five acres.
Okay. Any questions on this project?
Uh, we do have a letter
of support from Alderman Irvin on this.
Seeing no questions. Alderman Riley moves to pass.
All those in favor signify by saying Aye.
Oppose in the opinion of the chair, the ayes have it
and the do pass recommendation will report it out
at the next meeting.
City council meeting.
Item number 11 is a substitute ordinance
concerning the authority to enter into
and execute an intergovernmental agreement
with the Chicago Park District for the allocation
of tax increment financing funds
from the Inglewood Neighborhood TIF district
for improvements at Ogden Park,
located at 6,500 South Racing Avenue in the 17th ward,
and the amount not to exceed $12 million.
This is a substitute ordinance, which has been prepared
and sent electronically to everyone.
And is there a motion to accept the substitute ordinance?
So moved by Alderman Spto.
All those in favor signify by saying Aye. Aye. Opposed?
In the opinion of the chair. The ayes have it.
And the substitute ordinance is now before the committee
and will be explained
by Beth Tomlins from the Park District. Beth,
Thank you.
This is Ogden Park, located at 6,500 South Ray Seed Avenue,
um, 17th World Ward Alderman Moore in the West
Inglewood community area.
We are requesting $12 million in TIFF financing towards the,
um, construction of a brand new field house at the park.
This is a project long in the making.
Um, the original field house at the park was built in 1904.
It was a lovely historic little field
House. Excuse me, me, Beth.
Um, can I just have the gallery, uh,
just quiet down a little bit.
Thank you. Go ahead.
The Fieldhouse would re underwent a major renovation in
1972, however, um, which, uh,
added amenities including indoor gymnasium space,
but it really, um, be, is now deteriorated inaccessible,
and it does not meet the needs of the community.
You'll see images of the existing facility here.
Uh, so we are proposing to completely rebuild the facility
to better meet the needs of the community,
to include club rooms, a new gymnasium,
a boxing room, and a fitness center.
These are existing conditions.
The, um, project will be a total of a $25 million project,
which includes $12 million of tax increment financing,
$10 million of park district funds,
and 3 million state grants.
These are concept images of the new, um,
facility at the, at the park.
Uh, we will be going to our board,
the Chicago Park District Board
to award the design contract this month in November.
We expect design complete to be complete in Q3 of 2026
with construction completed in 2028.
Thank you very much. Beth.
I want to acknowledge Alderman Curtis,
you'll be counted towards Quorum and Alderman Tebar
and Alderman Coleman have joined us.
And, uh, as non-members, we welcome you.
Um, we do have a letter
of support from Alderman Moore.
I'm surprised he's not here.
'cause this is like, this is like something he's always
talking about, right?
We all know that, right?
Um, uh, but he does provide a letter of support.
Alderman Spto, you're raising your hand.
Yes, I'm raising my hand. I'm happy for my colleague.
This is like, I don't,
I don't know if you said like, newly needed.
This is like, since I've known this guy, he's been pushing
for, so I'm here to, to, uh, to share the joy for him.
And I believe, I believe he shares a part
with his colleague from the 16th Ward.
Correct. So, I'm happy for both of 'em.
He's been a champion for this since I've known him, so,
congratulations, Ray.
If we're here, I'd be hugging you right now.
But, uh, thank, thanks for helping my colleague out
and I know he is been championing this for a long time,
so way over doe, but thank you.
Thank you. Alderman. Saba, uh, SPTO. Alderman Seche Lopez.
We got you. And we'll count you towards Squam Alderman Bill,
followed by Alderman Riley, followed by Alderman Shea.
Closing with, uh, alderman Coleman.
Thank you. Thank you, Madam Chairman.
Um, just real quick, um, can you go
through the capital stack for me again,
The funding stack? Yes.
So, yes.
So there are, um, we are requesting $12 million
of tax increment financing.
The Park district will be providing 10 million
and their state DCO grants of 3 million
for a total of $25 million.
Okay. So how much of the TIFF money, um, is going all
for infrastructure, correct.
That's all. Yeah. Correct.
So this entire building, you know, structure wise,
you're saying it's only 13 million?
No, the, the total project is
25 million to build the new Fieldhouse.
Okay. Okay. You can only use TIF
for certain things, correct?
Correct. FFF and e
and those sort of items will be funded by the Chicago Park
District. Okay. And what
is the park district, uh, total, um,
capital budget for the year.
So the park district on an average year, bonds 30
to $40 million every year.
Geo bonds, this is, this year we'll be issuing $40 million,
but we will be using the practitioner funds over multiple
years as, um,
alderman Sato referenced this project has been in the
making for many, many years.
And so we've been anticipating
funding for this project for a while.
No, we're, we're definitely excited
for my colleague who's been, you know,
I think he's beat us all over the head
with this project over the years.
Uh, but I was just curious that, um, you know,
you guys are spending basically a fourth
of your capital stack on one project.
Yeah. Uh, it will not be taken from one years of funds.
We will be parsing this out over multiple years.
Thank you. Thank You Alderman. Bill, alderman Riley.
Uh, thank you. I I I just wanted
to make sure I better understand the, the history
of this deal, and I agree with my colleagues.
This has been something that's, uh,
been in the works for a very long time.
What changed this year?
What moved this up to become a priority? Uh, suddenly?
So, uh, the Park district had committed $5 million many
years ago towards the project,
but did not have, um, other funding sources
to make this a real project.
With the increment of the tax increment financing
commitment, as well as the state DCO,
the park district was able then to fill in the gap
of the additional 5 million to make this a full
$25 million project.
So it was really about layering in the
financing to make it a real project.
And are there other, uh,
park district projects in my colleagues various wards
that are also being held up due to a shortage
of capital money by the Park District?
I'm sure all of your colleagues would say, yes.
We have a large, um, amount
of capital deferred maintenance in our parks.
We do our best to keep up with it
and are excited about these highlight projects
when we can get them off the ground.
Understood. And I assume you have a,
a scoring program over at the park.
You know, I'm sure the park district has a scoring program
to determine which projects are,
are more urgent than others.
Does, does that list exist?
We do pri we do evaluate all projects on their merits.
We don't have a scoring sheet necessarily,
but every project is evaluated.
Yeah. You have a priority sheet, you know, top 10.
This one's the most important,
this is the 10th most important.
I do not have that. We do have a, uh, level of service,
of field house study that we could provide you
that shows sort of our, um, prioritization of field houses
around, uh, the city as well
as a land acquisition study
that we could forward. If that's helpful,
I would appreciate both of those documents
through the chair, if you don't mind.
Um, I'm just trying to understand, with all
of the competing pressures, um, put upon you
by my colleagues to get their various capital projects
funded, um, how is it that this one, um, is,
is the one winning the, the scarce money available?
Right? Who makes that decision?
I, i, is it, is it, um, the head of the park district?
Is it the board, is it the mayor's office?
Is it government of the IGA folks who, who,
who decides? Sure.
I, this is a collaborative effort.
Obviously the city Chicago funding would be, um, you know,
approved by our general superintendent
with the support of all of the team members.
Um, however, this has probably been 20 years in the making,
so this was not a quick turnaround decision.
It's been really been worked on by multiple parties,
including this administration, prior administrations, uh,
for many years to make this project a reality.
I see. Okay.
Well, uh, the, the, the timing is interesting, um,
given we have a big vote coming up.
But, uh, thank you for, for, for answering my questions
and I'll look forward to receiving
those documents through the chair.
Thank you. Alderman Riley, alderman O'Shay.
Thank you, chairman Beth, I've worked
with you on a lot of projects over the years.
Really appreciate all you've done to, uh,
help me make improvements in my community.
I submitted several projects more than a year ago
that don't meet anywhere near
the $40 million of projects that was just put
through here, 40 million plus.
I can't help but think based on some of the names here,
and God bless all my colleagues
that just got wonderful projects moving forward.
Why the 19th Ward wouldn't be on that list
considerably less than any of these.
And for those listening somewhere else in the building,
I represent thousands and thousands of black
and brown children that need improvements in their parks.
Thank you, chairman.
Thank you. Alderman O'Shea, alderman Coleman.
And then we'll have Alderman Moore.
Well, before we go forward,
can Alderman Moore has requested a Rule 59, uh,
to so moved by Alderman Lopez.
All those in favor signify by saying Aye. Aye. Opposed?
And the opinion of the chair, the ayes have it.
Alderman Moore, you're there.
And we'll come to you after Alderman Coleman.
Thank you, chairman Alman Coleman.
Thank you, chairman. Uh, I do ask as a non-member, uh,
of this committee, but I do ask for a favorable vote.
Uh, alderman Moore has been working on, has been screaming
to the mountaintop about Ogden Park.
Uh, I once attended summer camp at this park,
so it's very near and dear
and special to me just as Moran Park is.
But just, uh, to let you know the experience there.
God forbid the building is so old,
but God forbid if someone is on the second floor
or third floor playing basketball or in boxing class,
and the fire breaks out, there are no windows.
There are no doors whomever's on the second and third floor.
This building should not even really be operating
on the second and third floor.
But because we have so much programming happening at Ogden
Park, it is necessary.
So I hope that this project reach the
hearts of this committee.
It is a alone time coming,
and I just ask for your favorable, favorable support
of Alderman Moore and the Inglewood community.
Thank you Chairman for this. Thank
You, alderman Coleman, alderman Lopez.
You wanted to
Thank you, chairman. I wish
to also join my colleague from the 16th Ward, uh,
asking for the comm Committee support of this.
But I also want to state
that I share the committee members' frustration
with a completely untransparent process that picks winners
and losers in our communities.
I will not begrudge David for working for his neighborhood,
but what I will say is this, for an administration
that tries to claim the moral high ground for
investing in disinvested communities,
we have seen a remarkable double standard on when we choose
to engage with our sister agencies
to invest in our neighborhoods.
Now, parks has been great.
Clearly the headquarters is in my ward because of Tiff
and other things that we've done as a collective here.
But every park
that's in a tiff should have been a priority.
Before we did a billion dollar tiff sweep.
Every park that is of need should have been addressed
before we decided to say, let's give a billion dollars away
without checking to see if the local alderman
or the local community had some concerns
that needed to be addressed.
So the frustration is real. The anger is real.
The conflict that some of us have is real.
But as one of the five Englewood alderman,
the community needs it.
But we definitely need to also channel our
gracious acceptance with righteous anger
in this moment. Thank you.
Uh, thank you Alderman.
Uh, Lopez, I, I just have to say
that I think every alderman here has an opportunity to, um,
say to OBM
and to the Park District how, uh, TIF funds can be used
to support projects in their ward and to hold
and to hold those places.
You, you, you have a meeting with tho those departments,
you hold a meeting with those departments.
I don't know what your particular situation is,
but I, I think most people here would say
that they have reached out to the park district
and to OBM to replace some things,
hold some things on their,
on their tiff in their TIFF districts.
Um, alderman Moore,
Thank you so much, chairman.
And, and, and, um, I wanna thank, um,
and ask everybody's support on this, but it's just,
although the park sits in the 17th ward, the,
the Oregon Park is considered a regional park.
And what I appreciate about that, um, as we look
and our football team, um, has won the Park District Mambo,
I think the past, um, three to four years.
And, and it's keeping young people, um, off the street.
But you, you got people coming from all wards in that area,
whether it's 6, 16, 15, um,
even, um, there's some people even in the eighth ward.
And so it's a regional park.
So it's not just a park that just belonged to the 17th ward.
It belongs to many of us.
And I wanna thank my Englewood, um, colleagues, um, who,
whose neighbors commit to sharing to this park,
but also these, these alderman who pour into this park.
I wanna thank my Inglewood colleagues, um,
for helping me with this.
This just wasn't a David Moore thing.
It was a US thing, um, for our children.
I also want to thank really, um, alderman osha.
What motivated me on this was, um, when I got in first,
got in office and, um, the, um,
facility there he put up in the 19th Ward.
And I didn't know you could do take a tiff
and you could do a along with
it, some other things they did.
And that's what made me say, Hey,
I think I could get Ogden Park done.
And this started, um, under the Ro Emanuel administration,
um, which included the football field, which we got done.
And then the next thing was supposed to be, um,
the field house, which has been decant.
And we losing money
as we could keep patching it up and patching it up.
And we are the park district losing money,
just continuing to patch.
And so as we got through with the, um,
Lightfoot administration, other people committed money, um,
state Senator Jackie Collins
before she left Office committed money, um,
Congressman Danny Davis, um,
because the park district didn't have enough.
So they said, you gotta go out there and find money.
Um, then my state representatives, my state senators, uh,
state senator kicked in a combined $5 million.
And so everybody put something into this
to make this happen over the years.
And so, um, I just wanna make people that my, you, you,
as you all know, when your communities tell you
you're not doing nothing in your war.
People, you know, it take almost, I'm in my 10th year
and it takes anywhere from six to almost 10 years
to get something in the ground.
And this is a good example of that.
And so I wish this was a overnight thing.
I promise you I do. Um, but it took years of service.
And I want to thank, um, um, this administration
for continuing, um, to make the commitment
to this from the conversation I had with them last year, um,
to help getting this done.
And I want to thank, um, the park district
and the leadership there for as soon as they got in there.
Each, um, supervisor had a commitment to get this done.
Not just one, but all of them.
And so, uh, with that, this is a,
this is a total no-brainer.
I think everybody, uh, knows that this is a, a,
a good thing, uh, for our community as we're looking at
Pone Park, Ellis Park.
But Ogden Park, the area where we talk about
you have the most crime, you have the most poverty,
but yet you have the worst field house.
And so we're gonna continue season.
Thank you. Alderman Moore. Um, thank
You all part. Thank you.
All right. Thank you Alderman Moore, I want
to congratulate you on this project.
Uh, I know you've been wanting to move this forward
for a number of years.
Um, is there a motion to recommend approval
of item number 11?
So moved by Alderman osha, um,
recommending do pass all those in favor
of the motion signify by saying Aye.
Opposed in the opinion of the chair. The ayes have it.
Uh, Beth, you have another one here. Item number 12. Thank
You everyone.
Thank you. Alderman Moore is an ordinance
concerning the authority to enter into
and execute an intergovernmental agreement
with the Chicago Park District for the allocation
of TIFF funds for the division, from the division home
and TIF district for improvements at Humboldt Park.
Located at 1440 North Humboldt Boulevard
in an amount not
to exceed 11.85 million in the 26 ward.
Uh, and in the 36th Ward, we're joined
by Beth Tomlins of the Park District. Beth,
Thank you chairman.
Uh, last but not least, Humboldt Park.
This, uh, park is at 1440 North Humboldt Drive in the west
town Humboldt community area.
We are requesting funding from the division home in Tiff,
which has been extended until 2037.
We are requesting 11.85 million towards multitude
of projects throughout the park, including, uh, restoration
to the field house, especially to the lower level
that has significant water infiltration issues.
Um, we will restore, um, we will do building envelope work
and restore finishes as well as make the space more, um,
programmable and operational.
We'll do a DA access improvements to the boathouse,
Fieldhouse, and Pathways.
We will rebuild the pool house with a restoration
to the interior and exterior trellis areas.
Um, we will renovate the existing comfort station.
Uh, we will complete site work in the park,
including building a new football field for the, uh,
patriot, little league football team out there, as well
as restoring the tennis courts
and pathway paving, um, as well
as rebuilding the formal gardens.
And finally, we will commit, uh,
$3 million towards the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts
and Culture to build an interior atrium space
to activate the interior of the building, um, year round.
Uh, Humboldt Park is an o basically 200 acre park.
It has ball fields, natural areas, lagoons, fieldhouses,
boathouse, and the museum.
All of these improvements will be needed
to really uplift the park
and bring it up to today's current good current conditions.
Uh, the balance of the funding,
the total project is 13.1 million.
The balance of the funding is going towards the museum's.
Uh, interior atrium work at a total
of 1.25 million in addition for that project.
Uh, thank you very much Beth.
We do have letters of support on file from Alderman Viegas
and Alderman Fuentes.
Alderman Fuentes is here, uh, has joined us
and would like to speak to this matter, alderman.
Thank you, chairwoman.
Uh, you know, these have been requests by our community
for a really long time.
Our Humble Park Advisory Council is a very active
advisory council that have been asking for improvements
to spaces like the formal garden and the Fieldhouse.
Uh, you know, the pictures that, uh, Beth has there show,
uh, damages to the infrastructure
and the foundational walls of the house with water damage.
Uh, these are spaces that young people, uh, are able
to engage in programming in.
Uh, we don't want young people in spaces
where mold can build up, where mildew can build up.
Uh, young people deserve adequate spaces to be engaged
after school throughout the summer.
On break, these, uh, funding dollars will allow us
to upgrade the amenities for all of the programs.
It will also allow us to have additional recreational spaces
with making improvements to the tennis courts
and to have a football field,
the first football field ever in Humble Park.
Now we have a fantastic football team,
the Humble Park Patriots,
and unfortunately they have
to paint their lines every single game.
Um, and they don't have seating for families
and they don't have parking spaces.
Uh, for viewers, this is going to allow us
to put up the recreational space that the team deserves
that those young people deserve.
And then lastly, the National Museum
of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture.
Jen Jensen Designed Museum.
Uh, the only national museum, um, outside
of Puerto Rico is here in the city of Chicago.
And they have an amazing courtyard
that they can only use three months out of the year.
Uh, because it is not enclosed, uh,
the enclosure will not just pay respect
to the historical building, um,
and pay respect to the Jen Jensen design,
but will also allow the museum
and the community to utilize the courtroom
12 months out of the year.
Uh, so we're extremely excited for the upgrades
that we're gonna see in Humboldt.
Um, and if I could just take 30 seconds, uh,
to think Park District for all of the work, uh,
that they helped us do in housing, over a hundred residents
that were residing in a tent encampment in this park, uh,
without the Department of Family Support Services
and without Park District, uh,
that would have been impossible.
Uh, so Park District has been a fantastic partner
and the TIF dollars that are gonna be utilized is going
to get the park to a place where all
of the residents can be proud of.
And so I'm excited about this initiative,
but more importantly, there's a lot of community partners
that have been asking for this for a long time
that are proud of this investment. Thank you, chairwoman.
Thank you Alderman. Alderman Beal.
Um, Madam Chair, uh,
how come the park
district's not putting any money in this one?
So we have, the Park district has about $3 million
of previous investment and other projects in the park
that are not included in, in this listing.
So we have been investing in the park.
You just don't see it in this because this is just the tip.
So there are other projects going on in this
park. So this is another phase
For the district, right? So
we've done roof work, bridges,
cultural center initiative work that was just completed.
Water main replacements, new tree planting.
So about $3 million over the past five years
of previous investment.
Okay. Thank you. Thank you.
Uh, is there a motion to recommend approval
of item number 12?
So moved by Alderman Vasquez.
All those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye.
Opposed in the opinion of the chair. The ayes have it.
And the do pass recommendation will reported out at the next
city Council meeting.
Beth, thank you this morning. You were quite busy today.
All right. Item number 13, from the Department of Planning
and Development, an ordinance approving amendment number one
to the division home
and redevelopment project area,
tax increment finance program, redevelopment plan
and project concerning section five, uh, in the 26
and 36 ward.
We're joined today by Tim Jeffries,
managing Deputy Commissioner from DPD.
Good afternoon, Tim. Good
Afternoon, chair.
Uh, yes, good afternoon.
Chair Dowell, members of the
finance Committee for the record.
Tim Jeffries, managing Deputy Commissioner in the Department
of Planning and Development.
Uh, I'm here to request your approval of the First Amendment
to the division Home and TIF district.
The district was originally designated on June of 2021
and is currently slated to expire on
December 31st of this year.
An extension of the district was previously authorized
by Illinois General Assembly,
and this amendment would affirm that
by modifying the expiration of the TIF district
for an additional term of 12 years.
The general location of the division home in TIFF is shown
here on the map, uh, which is located on the west side
of Chicago, and primarily within the
Humboldt Park community.
The majority of the district, uh,
82.5% is within the 26 ward.
While the remaining areas are within the 36th
to N 27th Wards, uh,
shown here is a closer look at the boundaries of the tiff.
As you can see, a significant portion of, uh,
of it includes Humbolt Park, uh,
but it's generally an extremely
varied district in terms of land use.
The far west, uh, portion
of the TIFF is largely industrial users.
Uh, while a residential enclave immediately abuts the park
between ksi and home and avenues and more commercial
and retail oriented properties are along Grand Avenue.
Uh, in recent years, uh, funds from the TIFF have been used
to support a number of community based priorities,
including 2.5 million for an affordable housing development.
Uh, more than 2 million in allocations
for the small business improvement fund or spiff program,
and 6.2 million, uh,
for infrastructure improvements in the last five years.
Uh, DPD is requesting this amendment for, uh, a variety
of reasons, including the district's inclusion in the
extension framework methodology, a number of pending
and in progress projects,
and the ability to support future projects.
Uh, speaking to each of those directly.
Uh, last year, uh, DPD identified Division Holman
as an extension candidate to this body, uh,
when presenting DPDs data-driven extension framework, uh,
that identified 18 TIF districts from four, from
among the 47 that were slated to expire on or
before December 31st, 2027.
Uh, division Holman was included
because the ILGA had authorized an extension, uh, prior
to the development of this larger framework.
A determination was made to
nonetheless include these districts because departments
and sister agencies had been working under the assumption
that that district would be extended.
Uh, second, an extension
of the TIFF would also allow the city to continue a number
of projects that are currently project,
Excuse me, Tim, Mr.
Blakemore. Can can you please, uh, quiet down now,
back there for me.
Yeah. Okay. Continue.
Uh, uh, this, uh, will include the nearly $12 million
to Humboldt Park that were approved
by this body just a few moments ago.
Uh, improvements by CDOT to Humboldt Drive
and a number of spiff awardees currently in development.
Uh, and finally, if, if extended, the TIF is anticipated
to support a number of other projects in the future,
this could include the ambitious redevelopment plan
of the Humboldt Park Health Campus,
which includes the redevelopment
of their medical facilities, as well as the construction
of new affordable housing options.
Uh, it is additionally expected
that the TIFF will support infrastructure projects,
including pedestrian safety priorities
and school improvements, as well
as economic development projects, including future rounds
of SPIFF and other projects.
Uh, given those factors, DPD is in support of the proposed,
uh, proposed First amendment that the Division Home
and TIF district and would request your
favorable consideration of this matter.
Uh, and I'm available
to answer any questions you might have.
Thank you, Tim. We do have letters
of support from both Alderman Fuentes and Alderman Viegas.
Uh, alderman Fuentes,
do you wanna say anything about this? Yeah.
Thank you Chairwoman.
This is, uh, joint initiative, uh, by the city
and the state Senator Omar Aquino
and State Representative Lillian Jimenez
have done several things.
One passed a cultural state designated district
that's on Division Street, acknowledging
that culture is an economic engine
and it provides guardrails in protecting the community
against displacement and the impact of gentrification.
Now I represent a war that's rapidly gentrifying.
Uh, we also have an amazing relationship
with Humble Park Health, who currently owns many
vacant lots.
Uh, the idea with this, uh, TIFF extension is to
continue the vision of building affordable housing in
and around the park, ensuring that people
of all income can live in our community.
Eight years ago, we had a housing summit.
That housing summit identified an affordable housing
gap of 800 units.
Uh, we have built for, uh, a lot of that thanks
to my predecessor Alderman Dondo.
This TIFF Extension is going to allow us to continue
to build the affordable units that are needed to meet
that affordable housing gap.
We have two adjacent schools
that will also benefit from the tiff,
and that's the prior agenda item, uh, articulated.
There are also a lot of park improvements, uh,
that will benefit from this tif.
So I look, uh,
for my colleagues' favorable support on this amendment
item. Thank you, chairwoman.
Thank you. Uh, is there a motion to recommend approval
of item number 13?
So move by. Who is that?
Uh, alderman Vasquez recommending Do pass all those in favor
of the motion signify by saying Aye.
Aye. Opposed? And the opinion of the chair.
The ayes have it and the DO pass recommendation will report
it out at the next city Council meeting.
Tim, thank you so much.
Item number 14 is an ordinance authorizing the execution
of a TIFF redevelopment agreement
with the Pullman Hotel Group LLC
to provide funding assistance in the form of a TIFF loan
for the development of a 100 key hotel
located at 1 10 40 South Doty Road,
Doty Avenue in the Ninth Ward, in an amount not to exceed
2.86
and some change, um, which, uh, William Grahams will explain
to us from the Department of Planning and Development.
Thank you. Good afternoon, chair Dowell
and members of the Committee on Finance.
For the record, my name is William Grahams
with the Department of Planning
and Development with me today I have Andre Garner
from the development team.
I'm here today to request your approval
of a redevelopment agreement between the city
and Pullman Hotel Group LLC.
That would provide up to $2,863,821
as a TIF loan to Cor
Construct a new hotel in the Pullman community area.
The Pullman Hotel Project is located at 1 10 40 South Doty
Avenue, which is in the ninth Ward,
the Pullman community area, the North Pullman
and Lake Calumet area, industrial TIF districts,
and the far south planning region.
The Alderman is Anthony Beal,
who is supportive of the project.
Here is an overhead view of the neighborhood.
The project site is located to the northwest
of the intersection of East 111th Street
and South Doty Avenue.
To the South are several restaurants in including Culver's,
Potbelly, Wingstop, and Lexington.
Betty Smokehouse to the north is the Pullman
Crossings Industrial Park.
To the West is the Pullman National Historical Park,
and to the East is the Bishop Ford Freeway
and the Harborside International Golf Center.
Here are two views of the project site,
which is currently vacant land.
The Pullman Hotel Group is planning
to develop the first nationally branded hotel in Chicago's
historic Pullman community, providing high quality lodging
for this burgeoning tourism area of the city.
This 100 key Hampton
by Hilton will include a business center, an exercise room,
an indoor pool, and a market store or gift shop.
In addition, the Pullman Hotel Project will bring much
needed jobs and community pride
to the area residents while furthering the economic
development momentum growing in the area.
The total project cost is $30.4 million.
The request before you today is to approve,
approve a TIF loan
of $2,863,821,
which will complete the capital stack.
The project is hoping to break ground by the end of the year
and will take roughly 15 months to complete.
The Pullman Hotel Group is an Illinois limited liability
company created by Andre Garner to carry out this project.
Mr. Garner is a lifelong resident of the south side
of Chicago and has worked in marketing,
economic development and insurance.
He has been a real estate investor for over 25 years.
His partner for this project include Robert Habib
of Maverick Hotels and Restaurants and Mark Meyer of e
and m Strategic Development.
Mr. Habib has served as CEO of First Hospitality Group
and chairman of the Illinois Hotel and Lodging Association.
Mr. Meyer is a hotel operator, owner
and operator with Deep Knowledge in the mo in modeling
financial operations for hospitality.
The project is receiving funding from a, a wide variety
of sources, including equity, traditional lender financing,
C pace, new markets tax credits, a we a We Rise grant,
and a Medium Chicago development grant.
The proposed have flown of 2.86 million
or 9.4%
of the total project costs would complete the capital stack
and allow the project to move forward to a groundbreaking.
The loan funds will be provided at 30, 60
and 90% completion milestones
with the final 10% dispersed at the
certificate of completion.
No interest will accrue during the construction period.
The loan will have a 10 year maturity
with a 30 year amortization period.
The interest rate will be the low, will be the lower
of the SOR swap rate or the 10 year treasury note.
The project must remain in operation
as a hotel throughout the compliance period
and the typical construction compliance requirements
for prevailing wage MWBE and City Residency apply.
Overall. DPD is supportive of the proposed project
as it will provide a quality lodging option for tourists
and business travelers
and will compliment the ongoing development in the area.
In addition, the project will create an estimated 20
to 25 new permanent jobs.
Finally, here is a rendering of the hotel.
I'd like to thank the committee
for your favorable consideration of this request.
I'm joined today by Andre Gardner
of the from the Development team,
and we are happy to answer any questions
that you might have at this time.
Bill, what is C Pace again?
That's Property Assessed Clean Energy program.
That is, um, loan funding for, uh, energy efficiency,
um, construction.
Okay. Any questions on this project?
Seeing none, we have a letter of support
and an indication of support from, uh, alderman Peter Chico
and Alderman Beal. Alderman Beal.
Thank you. Uh, Madam Chairman.
Um, I just wanted to thank, uh, the department
for working extremely close with us.
Um, you know, commissioner Boatwright has been a leader in,
uh, you know, everything
that we've done out here in the Pullman area, even
before becoming commissioner
and having, um, you know, the department work close with us
on, um, this unique funding source.
'cause there's a lot of funding sources that's, um,
putting this together,
but that's exactly what we do, uh, creatively, uh,
on the far south side, um, with CNI
and the team that we have in place, uh, we try
to use all the sort of tools in the toolbox in order
to make it happen, whether it be state, uh, city, uh,
private, uh, new market tax credit on the federal level.
Uh, we try to use all these tools
and so this is a great example
of bringing everybody together in order to make this happen.
Um, you know, Andre Gardner, I've known
for over 25 years, almost 30 years.
And believe it or not, I met him in a barbershop, you know,
some over 20 years ago.
And we talked about his dream of,
of having a hotel even back then.
And so seeing his dream
and, um, you know, come to reality is really breathtaking.
'cause a lot of times you just hear people talk.
Um, but he, he put his money where his mouth is
and he put, you know, his actions in place.
And so I want to thank him
and his entire team for getting us to this point.
Again, I want to thank the department, uh,
commissioner Boatright and her leadership.
And, uh, the only thing I'm gonna ask of Andre,
um, if he can work with me.
'cause I really don't like the color on this rendering,
so we gotta, we gotta work on this color
'cause it is in the historic district
and we wanna make sure that, uh, you know, it,
the colors reflect the historic, uh, district and Pullman.
So work with me on that. Andre, I know you're back there,
so we'll do breakfast
or lunch coming up soon to talk about that.
But again, thank you all so much
and I ask for the committee's favorable support.
Thank you Alderman. Bill, I call that a minor glitch.
I know you're gonna work that out.
Um, is there a motion to recommend approval
of item number 14?
So moved by Alderman sdo. Recommending do pass.
All those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye.
Opposed in the opinion of the chair. The ayes have it.
And the DO pass recommendation will report it out at the
next city Council meeting.
Thank you, bill. Appreciate you.
Item number 15 is a proposed ordinance
authorizing the payment of various small claims
against the city of Chicago.
This was a direct introduction
and that list of payments was approved
and sent electronically to everyone.
If there are no objections,
these will be placed on the omnibus.
Item number 16 is a proposed order denying the payment
of various small claims against the city of Chicago.
Also, a direct introduction
and the list of payments denied was sent electronically
to everyone, and if there are no objections,
these will be placed in the omnibus.
Item number 17 are two proposed orders
authorizing charitable solicitation on the public way.
Permits direct introductions.
The first one is Planned Parenthood Federation
of America Citywide from January 1st, 2026
to December 31st, 2026.
And Alderman SDO has indicated that he does not want
to be associated with this particular,
uh, tag day permit.
Um, and we will acknowledge that.
Um, and B is Worldwide Wildlife Foundation.
Also a citywide, uh, permit
for January 1st, 2026
to December 31st, 2026.
And if there are no objections, these permits are approved
and they will be placed on file with the clerk.
Item number 18 will be held in committee at the request
of Alderman Cazada.
Um, it was a resolution introduced by the alderman
and others calling
for a subject matter hearing on the impact
of commercial property tax appeals on residential property
owners in Chicago, alderman Cado.
I don't know Cazada, I don't know if you wanted
to say anything about this.
Um, but this will come up, uh,
when requested by the alderman.
Again, there being no further business before the committee.
Can I get a motion to adjourn?
So moved by Alderman Martin for adjournment.
All those in favor of the motion signify by saying aye. Aye.
Oppose and the opinion of the chair.
The ayes have it in the Committee on Finances adjourn.
Thank you all soon.