the B change to the committee on housing and real estate. I
want to deal with the real estate.
lot about um,
Housing as to bains to low income housing subsidized
housing and all that, but we don't talk enough about
property that's owned.
and how
whatever it is that you're doing or not doing it's
affecting that now I've been coming here for almost a year
now talking about how
the city of Chicago and Cook County
has illegally been trying to take my mother's property
through probate and zero amount.
Of Health has come from you.
As the person that's over housing in real estate.
I don't know if it's because of the lack of concern or if
it's because of the lack of Competency. Maybe you don't
know how to deal with people who own property.
That could be a possibility.
But then I know it's not a possibility because you got what
the city.
Uh equipment coming and doing the driveway at your house.
So, you know what it is to take care of real estate and you
know what it is to get to City involved because they
involved to do your private property.
right
But when it comes to like my case, I can't get any type of
support from you.
Now the fact that you don't understand the importance of
real estate and the ownership of real estate when it comes
to black people.
But you understand the rights of people from other
countries Puerto Ricans Palestinians Hispanics, you got
full comprehension of that.
But you don't understand how Cook County is still in black
people's property here in Chicago.
In the United States but here in Chicago.
And like right now why you holding the conversation with
him while I'm talking to you about this that might be part
of the reason why you don't know because you don't pay
attention.
to people of this skin color to black people
when they not hitching their wagon to Brown
when it's just about black people you don't get that.
So I'm asking you.
to deal with the fact that
black people's property is getting stolen.
from Cook County the city of Chicago and that you tend to
that problem and if you're not equipped to do it then you
hand it over to someone who is
But you just don't sit back and let it keep happening and
letting the citizen come with a concern and you ignore it.
Okay.
Thank you, Miss Jackson.
Now we have Miss Zoe.
yeah, um, so piggybacking off of what uh, Miss Jessica
said, you already know how I start with my good old
voicemail from the Law Department.
We're trying to get through on on uh.
over the long weekend, um in any event
there are 3 things you can do if you want money for
demolish property if we're just talking about a little bit
of money the Alderman's committee on finance and I'm
surprised you're all of them. I didn't mention that to you.
Um
if this is a more serious problem and I'd rather suspect it
is and and before I fell out I
Get out.
Yeah, so he's still here. Um, so he's you know, but um,
that's 17th Ward Alderman David Moore. So my issue is with
you. Um, Brian s your Lopez is you saw me outside.
last summer protesting about the city of Chicago
Uh demolishing my property you also came to me and said
that you would research it. You would look it up you will
see what's going on and to this day. I have not heard
nothing from you. But again, you're fighting for some land
that's over in Palestine that we cannot get to when my land
right here in the city of Chicago has been hijacked from
the city of Chicago. Like it always does the city of
Chicago build it with the help of the building department
loves to demolish our Properties or take our properties.
And we get no help we get no help at all.
And it's going to and it's a cycle. I've been coming down
here for a year.
And you have yet to reach out to me and you are the
chairman of Housing and real estate. Everything does not
have to be affordable housing.
It was a commercial property with 4 Apartments, that's my
generational wealth. Okay, and black people we are never
going to be able to pass anything down if the city of
Chicago keeps taking our Properties or demolishing them and
then do not compensate which is the violation of the Fifth
Amendment which the city of Chicago knows how to manipulate
that because they feel like if they don't if they knock the
building down right for emergencies, which whatever that
means right that because it's not Fifth Amendment the Fifth
Amendment because they're not putting a railroad or a
roadway there. That's still you still demolishing
somebody's property and they're not compensating them which
comes to Black property act 1947 which you guys should re
look up because it still has to go to the governor. The
governor has to go to the attorney general and you still
have to eminent domain it if you feel like it's an
emergency or if it's if it's a blighted property.
Know the law because I do and I'm not even a lawyer.
I need help.
since y'all help
Thank you Zoe.
Next, uh, we have Mr. Taiwan Sims.
the convenience of these cameras is
no matter how you line us up to speak. It's still gonna be
heard.
So recently well just passed was the expression to support
for passage of Illinois's House Bill 5314 and 5432 and
Illinois Senate Bill 3680 known as the community what?
Community safety through stable homes Act
There's no stability in our community. There's no housing
stability.
most of the Indigent most of the what disenfranchised most
of the disinvested people are black Americans
but you passing this bill, but I know what this bill goes
to our new arrivals. However, I've been in this.
City for 43 years my hmis number once again is 3555061 Mr.
Lopez. Well.
And I don't get it.
But I do get it. I do get the new fight y'all.
the new Fighters against us
black Americans black people I'm speaking to y'all in this
room.
Understand that we up against the wall.
Slammed up against it pushed up against it if I'm how if
I'm homeless, then I can't take care of the 2 children.
Write my 2 boys, right?
But y'all think y'all going to continue to fight me over.
and since this
but if there's laws or a law Department here, then they
should be arguing for the citizen and saying wait that's
not wrong. If this gentleman been waiting since July of
2015 for housing what's going on?
If he's went through such extremes to get housing specific
guard Mission man might was programmed for 1 year at Safe
Haven completed all these in a stellar fashion. Not a weak
man. I'm not an intelligent man once again.
So help me to understand why what a consideration that
y'all have went through extremes. Remember 600 million.
247 million
what what was the tune of 70 million just last we sat in
this room and y'all delegated over that.
But what about this? How how did I slip through the cracks?
How are we slipping through the cracks? And if y'all keep
look just putting your heads down or just allowing it we
gonna be out the crack. That's what they pushing us out the
city.
So to the um, single mom in here with the kids, trust me.
So to the independent father in here with the kids or to
the family that's in here the black Americans I'm speaking
to y'all speaking to us and to the so-called allies.
But these people aware of what's going on with us in the
city.
They just had a whole meeting talking about black people.
Y'all oftentimes do that the black and the brown but I'm
noticing that the brown are advancing and the black are
going down.
Even in the counts in these rooms even in the counts in the
commissioning room.
So help look.
Help us. We got to help each other because they gonna hear
us they gonna hear this eloquence. They gonna be like, ah,
who cares?
Thank you.
Um next week, I have Maria Hotel.
Hello and good afternoon everyone. My name is Maria Sotelo
and I am here to support the um ordinance for the 500 lots
for Working Families on behalf of United Power.
So I want to tell you a little bit about who I am. I am a
doctor recipient and I am a graduate of UIC. Um from public
policy who graduated recently in 2002. I'm a daughter of 2,
very hard-working parents who have tried their whole life
to achieve home ownership. I am a sister to 4 amazing
siblings and I am a member of the back of the guards
Community where I have lived for almost 10 years now with
my entire family.
Um, I'm here today because I want to bring up the reason
that or the fact that in our struggle to obtain home
ownership 1 of the things that we have seen time and time
again is the lack of availability and housing and this is
an issue that affects everyone. This is not just a 1 person
issue. Um, my parents and I as we've tried to obtain
housing we have seen over and over again that there's an
issue with the supply and the demand there is a big demand
for housing and there's not nearly enough Supply. So with
that what happens is prices are raised people are forced,
um to move into different areas, they don't want to move
into or they're forced to give up their home ownership
dream overall, which is what's happening to my family and I
and countless other people in the city as well.
I'm supporting this ordinance because I'm tired of driving
past empty lots and knowing that there should be a home
there and I'm tired of being victim of the violence and the
destruction in the community when we know for a fact that
homeownership improves, um stable conditions for youth to
grow up in and we also know that for a fact home ownership
provides, um better opportunity for generational wealth and
for people to succeed in our communities, if we are to
uplift black and brown communities, how are we going to do
that if there are no homes available? How are we going to
do that? If there's nowhere for us to go to achieve these
these homes and these dreams. So for me, it's very
important that this ordinance is passed because as I've
said living where I'm living there is a huge need for it
and there's not nearly enough inventory and no matter how
educated we try to become if there's nothing there for us.
How are we going to achieve that?
That's all I have to say. Thank you.
Next um, and I would like to recognize also, uh bias Vice
chair Mitchell for the Quorum, um, next week have uh switch
blade.
Good afternoon, Chicago. Uh, I am here to help remind you
all that the black Americans of this country are the only
group that built America. No other group has came here to
help anyone else.
other than themselves and I feel a sense of entitlement from
non-black Americans thinking that that they have a higher
platform than the ones who were here and have been deprived
for centuries at this time. Our black representatives are
showing us that they are not for uplifting their own People
based off the policies that they have. Uh, I understand the
Democratic party black folks is the backbone of that party
and then for the past 60 years, we have not had not want
exclusive Bill specifically for us so we can uplift our own
people. It has constantly been sabotaged by other groups Co
telling our fire struggle and I think that is not fair for
the black Americans and for you all not to have our
support, uh, not to support us when it comes to reparations
when it comes to fair housing when it comes to on its own
it comes to on its own businesses. It reminds me of a black
klansmen. Those are the symbols that I see us having with
the new
Black politicians are the black clansmen of our society.
Their policies is always been anti-black and I'm here to
let you know that November when it's time to vote and we
don't have our reparations checked there would be no vote
for the Democratic party. If we don't have a anti-black
crime Bill, there will be no vote for the Democratic party.
If we don't have the police being responsible and
accountable for killing us. That would be no black vote and
I am a
Young black voter and my grandparents fought and some of
them even died. So everyone could have the opportunity to
have justice, but this country has never provided Justice
a collective for black Americans. So I just want to let you
all know that you need to show our ancestors some respect
and cut us our reparations check.
Thank you.
Uh next week have a dry. Danzo.
Danzo, Miss. Danzo
from reclaiming North London. Thank you.
Good afternoon, everybody. My name is aidra. Jancou and I
am a homeowner in North Lawndale. So I'm here in support of
the ordinance for 500 lots to United power and I just want
to tell you a little bit about why so for me reclaiming
Chicago is both the promise and the commitment to home
ownership for black and brown people today and also for
future Generations. That's the part that I want to
highlight. It's not just people today but it's about how it
also impacts future Generations right moreover reclaiming
Chicago is action to stabilize and Revitalize a
neighborhood that has long been neglected. But remains home
to many of us we deserve the same opportunities deserve not
to see vacant and dirty Lots next to our homes where our
families gather right? So I'm here today in support of this
ordinance because I want to see more of my neighbors
thrive.
I want to see my community Thrive and that begins with
affordable home ownership. Thank you.
Thank you so much, Miss. Danzo.
Next, uh, we'll have uh Rey ayoyo followed by Joseph map.
Uh, hi everyone, uh, good afternoon. I am also my name is
Royo and I am a recent uh homeowner in Back of the Yards,
uh, thanks to the support from United power and thanks to
support from the trp what I wanted to talk to you a little
bit about this is 1 the value and the impact that these
projects are creating into our community. It's allowing
people like myself a first, uh, an immigrant myself who has
been working for many decades having to pay rent having to
be displaced more than 1 time in black and brown
communities.
So, um 1 of the things that 1 of the things that is really
really important to uh, highlight is that this impact is
going to be moving forward and into the future. Uh, I want
to take I want to take a second to acknowledge the fact
that the city has become more responsive to us, but there's
still more red tape that needs to be cut there's still a
whole lot more to be streamlined and there's more necessity
for response.
What makes me proud of being a homeowner is that I have
invested myself as an individual because I do believe in
the in the benefit of the neighborhood. I work in the
neighborhood. I live in the neighborhood. I am an active
Community member of the neighborhood and that is the power
of this we can all achieve that Unity if there is support
and there is intentionality from the city. Thank you so
much for what you've done so so far for us now. We need a
little bit more of expedition. Thank you.
Thank you next uh, Joseph Matt from precious blood.
Good afternoon. My name is Joseph map and I'm here
representing precious blood ministry of reconciliation.
It's a community-based organization in the back of the
Yards Community as that, uh, community-based organization.
We also Our member partners and United Powers action for
justice. So when I'm speaking today, I am here speaking in
support of the 500 lots. And the reason I am speaking to
this because Community, uh precious blood has been housed
in the back of the Yards community and we have worked with
families and individuals in that community that was not our
purpose to enter into the housing. Foray. Our purpose was
to support people and connect them to resources but over
the years we've constantly heard from families and we've
constantly witnessed the struggle that families have from
housing and stability and the
Uh lack of resources to help support what it is. We're
trying to develop in the back of the Yards community. So as
a collaborative with this United Power its effort we would
like to have 500 start with 500 homes to offer home
ownership to our community. We know and we've witnessed
what can come from this we've seen from our partner members
Southwest organizing project and other uh, United Powers
members efforts that helped create in Chicago line area a
20 block Raiders where there was homeownership and rental
properties for community members that was a reduction by
70% in violence in that community. So we know home
ownership is tied to stability. We also know that that has
been a bigger lift and engagement from community members
when we have Community. We have a sense of investment. We
have a sense of purpose everyone becomes connected and
worked toward a common goal. This is what we would like to
support with you all here today. We know there's evidence.
Based practices and policies that shows this actually works
throughout the country. So we are asking for your support
to continue. We've done the leg work. We've done everything
necessary. We have funding from the state. We have funding
from private lenders. We're asking this city to help us and
move this along and release these Lots so we can have
contractors building and we can have homes for people who
are already in lined up to Bow. If you would support this
move you would take a stand and show that this council is
in support.
Report of home ownership and reclaiming Chicago for the
entire Chicago population. Not just a portion. Thank you
for your time.
Thank you, Mr. Matt.
Next we have and the last speaker. Uh Ricardo sabalo.
Good afternoon. Y'all uh, my name is Ricardo Savala. Um,
just to let you know a little bit more about me. I'm about
to graduate from UVA the summer of 2024 with a degree in
strategic just strategic, uh business and development and
Entrepreneurship.
Most importantly about this is I'm about to graduate with
no debt, so I don't have to pay anything about it. And that
decision is thanks to my mom who bought this house at 13
years ago and back in the yards.
She gave us a safe spot for me to study to take care of my
whatever it is. I need to take care of for school in order
for me to go ahead.
My sister's along with that right too. She's about to go to
use the University of Michigan.
And what I'm asking is to support this 500 Lott ordinance
to give this opportunity to other young people like me to
order to survive and strive in their communities. I don't
want to see them leave just because of the violence that
we're seeing a lot of the violence that it likes to be
portrayed on a spotlight on the news because we have a lot
of good things coming out from our neighborhood.
We have a dream of owning our own restaurant me and my mom.
So we're trying to help out with that and a lot of the
people I go to they always keep on saying no, that's not
the way to go. That's we don't recommend having restaurants
at the first spot.
But I'mma tell them to all those that say know that I know
about a good spot that we can eat and it's at my house
because my mom's that good of a cook.
I'm being honest, so
What I'm trying to say is that these small opportunities
that these small businesses that we have starts at homes.
We could if we give the opportunity to people to start
their own small businesses. We can have success with a
young Community with our young Community with our Young
Generation.
Do you want to have these empty lots and have space for
these wrongdoers these these criminals that keep on doing
their things? That's not what we want. We want to have
homes. We want to have people to have the opportunity that
I had and hear more of these stories so we can Inspire
these people.
I'm asking just to choose Bray on your generation. What
type of generation it is you want that will lead this
country.
I support this or this so that I could stay in my
community. I'm not trying to leave it because this is a
very beautiful place.
Thank you very much.
Thank you. Thank you so much. That is the last speaker. Um,
and we may take you on the offer to check out your mom's
cooking.
um
The in addition the committee has received 3 written
comments before 5 PM yesterday, which was the deadline, uh
that comes from uh, grow greater Englewood. Uh, Anton seals
sent a letter in support of items 8 and 9 on the agenda
item 12 received 2 letters of support from John Paul Jones
of sustainable Englewood initiatives and Maria sabala
resident of the Back of the Yards Community. These letters
are included in your packet.
Thank you so much for everybody Who provided public comment
this concludes, uh the section for public comment?
Or first order of business is the rule 45 report from May
8th 2024, which was email and handed out to committee
members. Can I get a motion to recommend approval for this
report?
So moved by Alder person Fuentes all those in favor say I I
all those opposed say nay in the opinion of the chair. The
eyes have it the rule 45 report has been approved now would
we move on on the agenda on the items in front of the
committee item number 1 is ordinance 2024-25
Pulaski Road in the 39th word merit Solace from the
Department of Fleet and facility management is present to
testify on behalf of these Ordnance.
Thank you married.
So we start with the presentation and then we'll open up
for questions. Thank you again Mary. Thank you.
Good afternoon, honorable chairman and members of the
committee for the record. My name is Meredith on behalf of
the Department of Fleet and facility management.
The City previously entered into an intergovernmental lease
agreement with the Chicago Park District Tuli City own
space at 5801 North Pulaski Road within North Park Village
for their administrative offices.
The term of this lease expired on June 30th of 2015 and the
park district has continued its occupancy as a holdover
tenant on a month-to-month basis.
The park district wishes to amend the lease to include the
expansion within the administration building and the
Peterson Park Fieldhouse.
Additionally, the park district has requested to include
use of the shed behind uh the Nature Center.
For storage purposes as well as the parking lot located
across from the Fieldhouse to be used for Park District
employee and Patron parking.
the administration building office space consists of 3,900
square feet
the parking lot consists of 13,000 500 square feet
The property is located within the uh, 39th Ward and
Alderman nugget is in support.
Uh, if approved the lease term will run through December
31st of 2030.
Rent for this lease will be a dollar for the entire term.
And that concludes my presentation. I'll be happy to answer
any questions.
Thank you so much. Uh any questions from the committee
members?
Otherwise, can I get a motion to recommend approval of this
item? So move all the person? Um, the spa all those in
favor say I all in the beginning of the chair the eyes have
it they do pass recommendation of this ordinance will be
reported out at the next city council meeting on May 22nd
2024. Uh, we have a substitute ordinance for ID number 2 on
the agenda. They're not substantively, uh, substantive
changes, uh, the updated ordinance include the respective
economic disclosure forms and the addition of the word
substitute in the header all committee members have
received a digital copy of these Ordnance via email and I
get a motion to accept um, and consider the substitute
ordinance.
To move but all the person, uh, hadn't all those in favor.
Say I all those opposed say name in the opinion of the
chair. The eyes have it item number 2 is an aldermanic
introduction is um, um, so 20202400000 8958 is a lease
agreement with Northwestern Memorial Healthcare for use of
city-owned property at 4727 to 4759 South Korea's Grove
for contractor parking in the fourth word. Alderman
Robinson is present to testify on behalf of this ordinance.
He's remote, uh, Michelle will woods from the Department of
Fleet and facility management is also present to answer any
additional questions. Um, so Michelle, go ahead.
Alderman Robinson if you want to
Thank you. Good good afternoon, uh honorable chairman and
members of the committee. Can you hear me?
Yes, we can hear you alderman.
Thank you chairman today. I'm introducing an ordinance to
lease the vacant city-owned property located at 4727
through 59 South Cottage Grove Avenue.
Which is 27280 square ft.
The property is a vacant lot that will be used by the
tenants contractor to.
during construction on a development for Northwestern
Memorial Healthcare, the Northwestern, uh contractor is
constructing the Bronzeville Advanced Outpatient Care
Center the term of the lease.
Is 12 month?
Upon passage. The monthly rent is 2,700 and 28 for the term
for a total of 32736.
I respectfully request your favorable consideration of the
lease. I am joined by Michelle Woods from the Department of
Fleet facility management who can also answer any questions
you may have I'm happy to answer any questions from the the
committee.
That excuse me. I am happy to answer any questions the
committee may have as well. Thank you chairman for the
opportunity and members of the community members of the
committee.
Thank you Alderman. Um Alderman meal has a question.
Just a point of order Mr. Chairman. Uh, did we vote to
allow remote access for this meeting? Yes. Yes. We did at
the beginning of the meeting. I must have missed that 1.
Yeah, we did a we took a vote to allow remote participation
when we're doing quorum.
Did we?
At what point? I don't I don't recall. I've been here since
the beginning. Yeah, we we were we did at the beginning of
the meeting. Okay? Yeah.
Thank you. Thank you elderman Bill for the point of
clarification. Any any other all the princes have any
questions on this item?
Otherwise, can I get a motion to approve so moved by all
the person meets all those in favor? Say I?
All those opposed and name in the opinion of the chair the
eyes have it. Thank you, Michelle. And um, thank you
Alderman Robinson the do pass recommendation of this
ordinance will be reported out at the next city council
meeting on May 22nd 2024.
item number 3 is ordinance 202400000073 27 the fifth
intergovernmental agreement with the Chicago Housing
Authority extending option to continue hearing ten and
grievances for the new 3-year term plus option for 1
additional 2-year term. Thereafter Anthony Rizzo from the
Department of um, Administration Administrative Hearings.
And uh Rachel Miguel from cha are present to testify on
behalf of this ordinance.
um
Thank you.
Mr. Rizo
Thank you. Alderman.
The cha is required by various federal and state laws and
regulations.
to provide a 10 agreements procedure
This grievance policy allows tenants to address their
concerns of the cha with property manager doesn't follow
their leases or policies. It's also using the CH your
management companies rules negative negatively affect
attendance rights examples of these situations include non
calculations continued income eligibility tenant relocation
and tenant termination for failure to comply with the lease
terms.
Tenants May first address these issues via informal hearing
process internal to the cha.
To the tenant which to pursue these matters further. They
have the right to request a formal hearing these hearings
are currently performed by the in by independent
administrative law judges retained by the city's Department
of administrative hearings.
The cha desires to continue to utilize the city's
administrative hearing process the administrative law judge
and Facilities to provide these legally mandated grievance
hearings.
By leveraging the Cadre of trained administrative law
judges in existing facilities at the city of Chicago
Department of administrative hearings. The CH is able to
provide these hearings to tennis at a time and efficient
manner.
Our renewing the current intergovernmental agreement both
the cha and its tenants will continue to have a fair and
efficient procedure to resolve 10 AG grievances while
ensuring that the due process rights of those tenants are
protected.
Thank you, Mr. Rizo. Are there any questions from committee
members?
Yes, uh, thank you tear just because just been put up on.
the the screen here
number 1 tenant 1 end in the future. Uh, but like but more
than that. Could we go into detail on what this means? Is
this the total?
Is this the total number of grievances?
Heard in the last 10 years. Yes. Is that accurate? Yes.
These are the same numbers that were provided to you
through the through the chair response after the last
meeting. Yes. Those are the total numbers and those totals
on that memo matched this chart.
There are not many hearings that make it to the second
level.
so in
It feels like in the last 10 years. There's been about 40.
grievances
the second level formal hearings. Yes, there are grievance
procedures that occur at Cha that are more numerous. But
the ones that make it to the second level, that's the
number that we've heard what happens at the first level.
I'm curious. What's an informal hearing and turn off to the
cha. I'm not very familiar with with that because we don't
see those we only see the second level if someone wishes to
pursue it further to a formal hearing.
Maybe Rachel would you like maybe expand on that? Maybe
Rachel from cha, Rachel if you would.
Uh Rachel mogal senior director of government Affairs for
cha. Thank you. Alderman for that question. It is a rather
informal process where you know, if if the resident, um
requests this initial hearing they um appear, uh, before
the property manager and you know, they uh are presented in
um, an opportunity to discuss whatever concerns um are have
Arisen and then after that a determination is made if at
that point the tenant or the resident is, uh,
Still not uh content with the decision that was made then
they are then given the opportunity, uh to proceed with
Department of administrative hearings.
Okay, and I mean the the 40 that we're looking at the make
it to the second level. This is out of approximately how
many grievances would you say Rachel like ballpark?
Alderman I would be happy to provide that through the
chair. I don't have that information with me.
I I appreciate that. It's just
It's Curious usually you would expect to see like a zero or
2 next to some of these numbers. It's
A it was a little bit jarring, but I I won't ask more
questions now seems like more questions next to me. That's
all for me right now. Thank you chair. Thank you. We have
all the person Taylor and then all the person Fuentes all
the person.
Taylor can you hear us and by the way, happy birthday to
you?
Thank you Alderman. Um, can you explain the the process
because I get 40 complaints a day about what cha does and
so I'm confused on how this chart only says is is 40
compliance because it seems like the process is flawed. And
so Rachel can you explain to me? What is the process when a
tenant has a complaint and what are the steps?
All right, Allure woman, uh, so they do request the
hearing. Uh,
It's uh, it's a meeting actually, uh, and that goes before
the property manager. They are then presented an
opportunity to show whatever evidence that um, they the the
resident would like to present to either counter the
allegations or whatever it is that the complaint was made.
So let's say if it was like a lease violation, for example,
you know, they would be given the opportunity to present
any evidence. Um countering said at least um,
violation
other The Other Woman tailor do you have
I think you muted 2 Legit. Thank you through the chair. Can
you give us a fact sheet on what tenants should do because
what you're saying versus what actually happens with these
senates is the reason why this number is so small for ten
years. I I I'm finding a hard time believing.
and I feel like it's because because
Is it not true that the property managers are private
managers or they actually see AA employees?
The ppms are private managers.
Which is a problem which is why this number is what it is
that is 1 of the biggest issues that cha has because these
private landlords don't know how to treat the tenants that
work for cha, which is why this number is is flawed.
I I honestly feel like this number is flawed. So through
the chair. Can you send us a fact sheet of every step
attendance is supposed to take when they have a grievance
because it does not the way that you're explaining. It.
Usually it does not get input it so I get
Constituents who were complaining about cha, they take it to
the manager and it never makes it to a system that I guess
guess their input. And what is the follow up with cha to
reinsure that these these companies that you all hired that
are privatized does right by these tenants.
Thank you Alderman alderwoman. We will provide that through
the chair.
both questions
Oh, sorry. Uh the second question was how are you all
reassuring that these private property managers are doing
what cha has required because they seem to be that is the
disconnected cha between those private management companies
and Cha because they don't always do what they say and they
do a lot of line and some of my buildings those property
managers change too often. Well, we don't even know who the
company is that is now in charge and so it's very confusing
to the tendency in cha then reporting to people to make
sure that the things that they have grievances about
actually get answered. Is there a way that cha is taking
care of that. Are you all looking at it? Is there supposed
to be some new system that you all are implementing because
what you all are doing now is not working.
Thank you for that comment and that concern alderwoman. Um,
I can say that you know, that is the reason we we you know,
we do understand that. Um, it is an imperfect, um process
but that is why they have this second option the Second
Step, um to have a private party come and evaluate and have
the evidence heard again, uh by an independent party, um,
which is the benefit of of this IGA
Is that benefit for the the the the cha resident or is it
for the property manager?
No, that is at it that process that once it goes to Doh
that is at the request of the resident if they are unhappy
with whatever the initial determination was and this is
their appeals process essentially the to dispute whatever
the initial decision was made Rachel has this always been
in place or is this something new because I've never
attended has never explained it to me this way.
It is. Um, I'm going to pass that over to do but it is a
process that we have had for a while.
Yes, I I believe this process has been in place since at
least 2014.
Since 2014 this has been in place and y'all gotta y'all got
a a sheet that says y'all only got 40 complaints.
Those are the numbers that is not happening. The math is
not math and C ha needs to to really take a look at the
processes that you have and y'all should be working with do
in this city council to implement things that actually
protects cha residents because this this this this this
data that you all have seems to be very flawed. Um Rachel I
did send a list of questions and I haven't received all the
answers to can you make sure that that happens
Absolutely, we're working through all of the through the
chairs from our hearing from last week.
Thank you, Rachel. Thank you chairman.
Thank you, and I'll the person who have or commitment to
follow up on that as they come out. I'll turn the hearing.
Um, we will add is a point of clarification of the queen
point of clarification of the person Quinn. Yeah. Thank
thank you Mr. Chair. Um,
On the point of the management companies. I presume there's
some sort of license or contract with cha.
Is there an intergovernmental agreement is the agreement
and so um, if to older woman's point if if we're we don't
have a responsive management company.
what sort of
strategies does the cha have in terms of enforcement or
canceling that contract? I think Rachel will probably be
better able to handle that.
Thank you. Alright for that question. Unfortunately, our
Council was not able to attend, uh at the last minute that
would be a question that I would be happy to submit. So let
me just let me just sum this up with the with the
recommendation if
We're not getting compliance from the management companies.
The recommendation will be to cut off the contracts.
And that gets right to the point of all the woman tailor cut
off the contracts. So take that back to your lawyer.
Okay.
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, uh Alan Quinn also before
I move to the next, uh, uh line of questioning, uh, all the
person Angela, uh, clay has requested using rule 49, uh
access to the meeting. Can I make a motion to accept a
request to move by all the person Haden?
59 sorry rule 59. So, uh, all those in favor say I all
those opposed say so we have now accepted all the person
play for the purpose of the call alderman.
Call clarification by alderman.
Grievance process for holders of housing Choice vouchers or
is this just for those in traditional and Scattered site
public housing?
I would have to look at the cha rules and Rags as to these.
I'm not sure about that exact question all of them. Oh,
alright that this is exclusively for public housing. This
is not the same process for hcv. Okay. Thank you. Thank you
cheer. Thank you Alice Barr all the person Fuentes.
yeah, I have a question in a couple of comments, uh, what
at a time in which a tenant signs a lease or goes through a
tenants meeting, um with their Regional, uh, organizers are
individuals educated on what the grievance process is. What
are their rights to? Uh,
extending to another level
Rachel can answer that question do H can answer that
question.
Thank you alter woman, uh
So obviously they they are informed a at the at the end of
their initial, uh hearing with the property manager at that
level. They are then informed of their right to proceed and
appeal at the Doh level.
But before an incident takes place is a tenant educated
that there is a grievance process that they can undergo
when and if there are issues with the management company or
the organization itself.
Let me see if I can get that information for you. Uh, I'm
not sure if they are given a packet, um or how that that
information is distributed to the residents.
My second question is do you have individuals that are
bilingual that help all tenants go to the grievance
process?
So we do have a language access line, uh that is available.
Um, so that is a service if there is a language barrier
that they can Avail themselves. So and who's on the other
end of the language access line?
Uh that it is a service that we contract out for for
interpreters.
Is it an actual person that answers the phone? Is it an
operator? Tell me what services are our individuals getting
here?
Uh, there is a phone number that we are able to call and
and an interpreter hops on the line, uh, once we inform
them what language is needed.
Okay.
Here's my concern.
like older woman tailor
Alderman the spa I shared some serious concerns with the
numbers and the process. Let me tell you why on a daily
basis on a daily basis. I get tenants who come into my
office who have grievances that are Beyond internal
capacity.
And to assume that these numbers are because we have
satisfied.
Our tenants grievances is absolutely mind-blowing to me. I
have tenants today.
Who have gone to their tenant Regional meetings for the
last year consistently?
About the 10th meeting taking place last night who are
raising the same concern over and over and over again.
And you're telling me that after 10 times of attending a
meeting raising the same exact concern. They're still stuck
in some internal process and haven't gotten to this level
for resolution.
There is an issue here.
My second concern is I have had Tenants come in who fear
even reporting anything beyond the first level because the
management company has quite literally threatened them with
retaliation.
And they're still stuck in this internal process and they
don't get here. So the fact that we're satisfied with these
numbers and want to renew for another 3 years when we
haven't even truly addressed the issues that our tenants
are facing and some of these sites is egregious.
Our folks not only deserve to live with dignity and
respect. They deserve a process that's truly going to
address the concerns that they raised and we are depending
on private contracts that not just through a grievance
process, but even through maintenance has shown to not be
able to fulfill the duty.
And so this ordinance in an extension for this process, does
it tie and lock in the folks that have private contracts
with cha today to this process?
The management companies and the cha are bound by their
grievance procedure and the rules and regulations. Yes
Elder woman. So the procedure is laid out in our a cop, uh
process that's our administrative process, which is also
provided to the residents and this um, grievance procedure
is also laid out in their lease, so they have the whole
process written out every time that they uh sign a lease.
So I'm not satisfied with this process or that we would
lock in private contractors that continue to the service
art sentence. We have not put ourselves in a position nor
the constituents that we serve to live in dignified housing
and to go through a grievance process that treats them with
dignity and respect and to renew it as is I don't think I
just can't I wouldn't be serving the constituents of the 26
work.
Thank you. All the person Fuentes. We have next all the
person when I happen with.
Thank you chair.
I share all of the concerns that Alder Fuentes just laid
out. Um also wasp. Thank you for
um initiating this conversation and Alder fun, um Fuentes
just the the points that you're making we it's reflected in
the 48th War II
everything that Alder Taylor's also asking for including
fact sheets, uh, we need that um to be centered around the
constituents who need it the most who come into my office
who tend to be older adults who live alone and um, we we
need this information immediately.
um to the point of Alder Quinn's, you know, um, how how to
um,
Provide service by creating a system to keep these property
managers accountable. Um, can you speak to how these
contracts are um cut off eventually like what does it take
to cut off a uh a contract with a property manager? And how
how many have we?
um, um discontinued
over the last 10 years.
Uh, I'm not sure. I understand your your question
alderwoman. Well, the question is we are talking about
holding property managers accountable and there are federal
standards. Right? And so we presume that these are being
followed and met but to the point of why are we
perpetuating contracts with property managers who are not
servicing our constituents?
um to the point that constituents continue to go to Regional
tenants meetings to make themselves heard, but not be heard
by the property managers. You know, what what does it take
to
To address the the bad property managers what like how many
many have how many contracts have been um discontinued over
the years? Like what does it take to get to that point is
what I'm asking because um, we've had too many hours of and
too many people who have come to City Hall to express their
frustration about the lack of um informations that they're
getting and how to advocate for themselves and I would like
to advocate for my folks in the 48th board, but all of
Chicago and every Chicago and should feel like they're safe
in their homes.
Thank you for your dedication to your constituency
alderwoman. Um, we we do know that this is an area of big
concern. Uh, I know the CEO was here responding to some of
those questions and we do owe some responses through the
chair that will provide some more uh information on on the
process that we're undergoing for the property management
companies. We are um,
Undergoing some changes in that respect in order to improve
exactly. What the uh,
The quality of service that we are receiving as far as um,
the importance of this IGA. This is really this item has
been held up for 2 months already. We are denying the
residents who live in affordable housing their opportunity
to have their um,
we're hampering their ability to exercise their right to do
process. This is their ability to um, basically counter any
decision that is made and further delay of this item would
be um, very harmful to the residents. I hear a lot of the
concern we share your concern and we are looking to hold
some of these property management companies accountable. We
would be happy to talk offline and explain, um, you know,
some of the Innovative things that we're trying to do to
change so you're you're saying that if we don't pass this
today people will be harmed because they won't have a
process.
To correct to express their agreements. I I will say that I
had no idea that this existed and and my
staffers had no idea this existed. So I would like a little
bit more partnership.
Uh to help our constituents get what they need.
And chair. I I understand that we're um, continuing
conversations about how we can advocate for our
constituents more and we really would like more um
information on how we're going to do that together.
Absolutely. Um, I think all the person um, Taylor has a
follow-up question. Um, or do you have something else and
then I'll so first of all Rachel it's real disrespectful
for you to get up here and say that we're holding up a
process that's been flawed from the very beginning has your
boss. Did her job 5 years ago when we came to her about
processes and what's going on in cha, it will not be here.
And so while you know, I got married respect for you. It's
real disrespectful for you to say to us. We're holding up
the justice for the tennis what Justice cause some of them
live in MO some of them live with rats and roaches. I got a
senior building in my ward that had a fire and they took
them a whole month to get the water up and boarded up the
building for safety concerns and they had an elevator that
was out for a month. So how we hold it the tenants from
getting their Justice because y'all don't do y'all jobs and
the thought that we want to sit up here and pass this it's
it's disrespectful to the people. We paid to represent. We
take a lot of heat.
For what you're about does not do for what you all don't
do.
We take the heat for it.
have to call you over and this is before you got here
Rachel. So I ain't talking to you how many times have I had
to call Cha and talk to Daniel 5 and 6 times about a
situation because I got people living in Mo and you all did
nothing.
and then the audacity and the auction to say we holding
tennis up from getting they just do y'all never give them
their just do
especially not in our senior buildings
like this is why people want Tracy Scott gone.
Because she's sending you to carry her water number 1
number 2 that fake meeting that they had what she rarely
didn't answer anything and then we're asking all these
questions and not getting any response from y'all, but we
holding the tennis up y'all are poor Housing Authority
period
Y'all are poor and I don't know how y'all pass any
inspections. It's like Who and the Stevie Wonder is doing
these inspections. I'll wait.
And Rachel this this I want you to know and you know, I
will call you afterwards. This is nothing against you. It's
about the whole flawed damn process. And so it's
disrespectful us and it's wrong to ask us to pass on
something that y'all ain't even clearer with us. Where was
the conversation at when I asked this to be held in the
last committee you call me Rachel your boss didn't she get
paid the big bucks? She should be
answering to us
Like this, this is why people want her gone.
And the thought that we don't continue to say is City
council's fault that CA residents don't have a space know.
It's y'all fault because y'all done absolutely nothing for
decades.
And now all of a sudden it's like let's just get this over
with so y'all can do y'all just do so y'all can catch
tennis out. How many tennis have sued cha you can get it
through the chair how many tenants are calling the end
Court around CA in their agreements. I'll wait.
You can get it through the chair. Let's see those numbers
but to ask us to pass something just because y'all want it
to be passed. It's not cool. It's not okay and it's wrong
because y'all putting the onus on the tenants when it's on
you all.
Y'all should be called Chicago know no Housing Authority.
That's what it should be called.
Thank you chair.
Thank you. All the women Taylor. Um
So this is this is a an item that came out during the
hearing as well. I hear all the all the persons with
concerns about the lack of accountability from management
companies. That is what it comes down to uh, Vice chair
Mitchell and I have been in conversations with very
specific cases. I understand that we need to make changes.
Um, and those changes must be made with accountability in
this management companies. I take the points of both all
the person, uh Taylor as well as Alderman Queen. We cannot
not only
Be renewing contracts with contractors that are not or
management companies that are not doing their job or Worse
expanding those contracts. We we also have seen so um,
yes, I'll do I'll do a meet.
committee
We have we have a a motion, uh by other person meets. I
I uh want to hear his hand raised.
Oh, I'm sorry. I'll before we take the motion. I'll do I'll
man uh Alderman Moore and then by Sher Mitchell.
Yes, thank you chairman. I do appreciate um the comments
and I appreciate uh people's concerns, but what we have to
be careful about and the information in which we're
requesting, um and lumping all property managers together.
Um, and so um, if there are problems with property
managers, we need to be clear about which property managers
those are so that the media especially is in reporting that
Cha's property management is doing a terrible job. I I
don't doubt that there are some concerns uh with some but
we can't lump them all together and we have to make sure
whatever data we presenting that we're presenting it by
property manager because I'm sure um, there are some
property managers out there that can, you know produce
evidence that they're doing their due diligence. I just
want to make that clear
Thank you Alderman Moore Vice chair Mutual.
I have a uh a through the chair request for both cha and
administrative hearings. Can you provide to through the
chair?
all public housing facilities in the 50 wards
and over the over the last 20 years. So each ottoman can
see the first level and the Grievances that rise to the
second level. Can you get that to all all 50 of the awards?
Thank you. Uh before we take the motion what I would like
to uh, share with the committee members it is very
important that we are part of this process with the chah so
that we can see some real changes. So I I see the
frustrations and I share those frustrations also
understanding that when we need to change this process, so
I would like to just ask directly and Point Blank before we
take the motion with cha
If this moves forward today.
What assurances we have as a committee that these changes
in this process will be made so that these companies as it
was suggested. This management companies are hold
accountable which will include determination of contracts
when there's no fulfillment of those contracts. So I just
want to be very clear because I know this being held for
already 2 months. I want to give you the opportunity, uh,
not only to respond but to commit here publicly because I
agree with the members this cannot continue.
you understand we need to make the change so that we can
change the process but there has to be a clear and honest
commitment so that the numbers here are now, um
are reflective of the reality of the residents and Cha
yes alderman.
Thank you. Thank you for that comment. Absolutely. Uh, you
know that our CEO is working very diligently to make
changes to the P property management system so that we can
get a greater number of property managers and hold those
Bad actors accountable. Absolutely you have our commitment
and we we are available our CEO is available to answer any
concerns. Um our IG team as well. We would love to meet
with you we've been trying to do uh, a round of of getting
to know some of you and going to your offices and and
connecting with all of you to hear exactly those concerns
that you have brought up. We share your concern and um, we
are committed in making improvements in this process and in
the process of selecting property managers and holding them
accountable and making sure that they are actually doing
their job
Thank you. So before I entertain the motion to hold this
item, um
I want to make sure that this this um, these answers
satisfy the committee members this again is being called
ready for 2 months, but also want to make sure that the
commitment from cha is clear and public in terms of making
real changes so that we can truly hold this management
company accountable management companies accountable. Um,
so I leave it up to all the person meets it that satisfied,
um your request to hold it or if you want to continue with
the motion to hold this item,
I'm I'm not continue to hold.
So, um, we have a motion by Alder the person mid so that we
can work out the details and be ready maybe for the next um
next Council so, uh, do I have a second?
So moved by all the person I'm going to happen with so this
item is going to be hold until we have an agreement, uh on
how we're going to call this.
We did it by.
Voice vote anybody
Oh.
Uh are those are those in favor say I?
anybody opposed in a
In the eyes of the in the eyes of the chairs the eyes have
it. So this item will be called. Thank you. All the person
had in this item will be called for the next uh, housing
committee meeting.
Thank you. Thank you Mr. R.
Item number 4 is ordinance 202400008965 and negotiated sale
of vacant city on property at 1314 to 1316 South Pulaski
Road to work. Um work of his hands Ministries 8 adjacent to
church property owner for for development as parking lot in
the 24th word earnest Bellamy from the Department of
planning and development is present to testify on behalf of
this ordinance earnest.
Good afternoon. Chairman CEO Lopez and members of the
committee.
For the record, my name is Ernest Bellamy with the
Department of planning and development.
As mentioned today, I bring forward a proposal for a land
disposition of 1314 through 16, South Pulaski Road.
the address range consists of 2 Parcels for disposition
To be concise to individual parcel numbers are noted on the
above screen.
The sum total square footage of these Parcels is 6288
square feet.
They are located within the 24th Ward.
represented by alderwoman Monique Scott in the north
Lawndale community area
the parcels are also located within the Midwest Tiff.
The developer is work of his hands Ministries
non-for-profit who started to engage the department and
January of 2021 with their interest in creating a a non
accessory parking lot adjacent to an existing 1 commercial
building which they actively operate out of
the total development cost is 123,700.
Uh Other Woman Scott has previously issued a letter of
support um and subsequent. Um,
committees to date
uh in attendance
here today as well in the audience as Pastor Frank Brim.
Again, the parcels are located within the Northwest portion
of the north Londo community area.
In a closer context the parcels are within the city block
South of West 13th Street and in between South Pulaski Road
and the north south Alleyway Due West of South Pulaski
Road.
Fronting South Pulaski Road, the vacant Parcels are within
a predominantly commercial character Corridor with thinking
and open space.
within the north Lawndale community area
as represented by the 3D area of the neighborhood. You can
see the immediate adjacent uses which include other vacant
city lots a community garden and a car wash.
The proposed development is represented in the following
site plan.
constituting 12 parking spaces
This proposal will be designed in accordance with
applicable zoning and Landscape requirements.
in conclusion the applicant has
Complied with all required reviews and is an agreement with
the market rate sale price for this disposition.
From here. Um, I'm happy to answer any questions that you
may have at this time.
Thank you.
Are there any questions from committee members?
No, but other person just um a project. I know that.
uh
Mr. Brim has been working on for a while. He's he is very
active in the community. Um, he's a wonderful
Baseball coach in the Garfield area, so he is very active
in the community. Um, and if anybody knows Pulaski very
limited parking and so
Just to make some just do of a lot that's been sitting for
years. I think it would add, uh, some initial impact to the
community right sits right next to a community garden and a
um,
Is that the the bike? Yeah.
So so I mean it would be very impactful because it'll bring
some kind of beautification, um that Mr. Brim has to do to
the parking lot. So it's supported in the 24th Ward.
Thank you all the person Scott. So can I make can I have a
motion to move to move? All the person meets all those in
favor? Say I all those opposed the name in the opinion of
the chair the eyes have it the do pass recommendation of
this ordinance will be reported out at the next city
council meeting on May 22nd. 2024 item number 5 is the
ordinance 2024.
0000 8914 negotiated sale obsidian property at 8340 South
hosted to adjacent property owner griefing Boris Holdings
LLC
Um to debe Ivory Dental for development as parking lot in
the 17th Ward Nelson Chang from the Department of planning
and development is present to testify on behalf of this
ordinance. Thank you Nelson. Thank you. Uh, thank you
alderman.
Thank you Sherman for the record on Nelson Chong Department
Plan development, and I'm here to speak on behalf of the
land sale for disposition of 8340 South Hall set to
Griffin. Bureau's Holdings LLC.
This slide provides a sum overall summary of the land sale
project. The purchaser is Griffin bureaus Holdings LLC,
which is a entity wholly owned by Dr. Bansil Griffin who
operates the ivory dental office at 8344 South South
Avenue. I've read Dental is a woman owned by minority owned
black owned business and located in the Auburn Gresham
community area with prior assistance from nof fund. She
recently renovated the property for a dental office and
space for a cafe Tenant Dr. Griffin is proposing to acquire
the adjacent City lot vacant city lot 8340 South house set
to provide additional parking for her business the nature
of her, um,
Dental office is benefit from the land sale which allows for
longer visits for her, uh her clients. She's purchasing the
property for a 38,000 30 3877000. I'm sorry. She's
purchasing a property for 3,887 which represents the market
value less the uh environmental Phase 2 testing upon
Council approvals. She's ready to obtain construction
permits and build these improvements. The projects has a
support of alderman David Moore from a 1744.
these following slides, uh show you a little context in
terms of what we're looking at the above map shows the
location of the disposition property at 8340 South Hall
said
this above map shows the uh City outlined parcel in red and
the app can own parcel in yellow.
These are images of the average dental office and then you
can see the renovations. She's completed for office space
on the bottom.
And as previously stated Ivory Dental was the recipient of
of City. I know of funds help support her renovation of her
building.
This again is if you are the front elevation Long Haul said
and the uh red outline to the right of the building is the
city lot.
And here's some additional photos you can see from the
street.
This is a uh site plan of the building shown the dental
office. So the dental office is the main part of the
building and she has a uh, small tenant Cafe space located
on the corner. So it's a combined uh dental and kind of
Cafe space.
And here you see the uh proposed site plan for the parking
lot which adds in additional 1 2 3 4 more parking spots and
the parking plan, uh conforms to Chicago landscape, uh, uh
requirements. So in summary Department planning has
reviewed the proposed sale of the city lot located 8340
South Holland to Griffin bureaus Holdings LLC to be
improved his parking and the department recommends approval
of this project. Thank you.
Thank you Nelson. Are there any questions or comments by
committee members? Uh, I'll
thank you chair.
Not not equivalent to what's going to support the
development, but
All of the parking spaces are going to be parallel parking
spaces. Yes the um,
You can see is this parallel is the reason it's parallel
because the size of the city lot. So the only configuration
she can uh, legally accommodate in the uh to to fit the
landscape requirements is that it's got to be parallel.
I feel like I would park around the corner first. Um, so she
has um access to the front and then the rear access some
rear and she worked out with um, Alderman Moore to
permission for access to Rally. Okay? All right. I'm I'm
here for it. Uh, thank you too. I'll do more not sure if
you have any comments.
No, just I want to thank Nelson Chong and the dpd for
working on this with me. Um this young lady, um when she
rehab that, um building it was done when it was in the 21st
Ward. So shout out to Howard Brookins when he did that and
now it's been remapped into the 17th Ward. I've been down
there several times and I'm talking about it's a that
building used to be such a ISO and she's turned it into a
great, um asset and that um community that we hoping to
continue to build along that Corridor and so as I've gone
there and as other people go there when they Park they have
to park on the streets now, uh, which make it so much
dangerous getting off that getting out that car coming off
of um, hosted. Um, and so, uh, I I asked for the uh,
council's favorable vote on this item. Thank you so much.
Thank you. So there's a motion by Alderman Moore. Can I um
Gonna oh, can I just voice ball? Can I get all those in
favor? Say I all those opposed say nay in the opinion of
the chair. The eyes have it. They do pass recommendation of
this ordinance will be reported out that the next city
council meeting on May 22nd 2024. Thank you all thank you
Alderman more.
Item number 6 is ordinance 202400000 8973 sale of City on
open space properties at 4441 West Adam Street to Tamika
Jenkins 352 South Kostner Avenue to Brian Ramson and 4236
West Monroe Street to Victoria giddens in the 28th word me
Gustafson from the Department of planning and development
is present to testify on behalf of these orders. Thank you
m hi everyone, uh megson Department of Planning and
Development. I have 3 open space land sales. Um today all 3
are in the 28th Ward and we have the Alderman's support.
Uh, the first 1 is 441 West Adams. Um
It is a sale to Tamika Jenkins. It's 3 it's about 3,000
square feet and per the um, shy block Builder land sale.
Um,
Platform it's available for 10% of City value, which is
913.
It's zoned rt4. Thank you.
Here's the location map and a zoning map.
And here's tamika's plan. Um, she actually lives next door
at 4443 West Adams, uh, and she's lived there for over 10
years. Um, she plans to fence the property and her budget
is about 1,200. She wants to add a picnic tables and
planters for Passive open space for the community.
That concludes um my presentation for this sale. Yeah. Any
questions on this 1 before we gonna have the questions in
after each item and then we vote as well because in the
same word any questions on this 1 by the way, oh all the
person with I just wanted to thank you Jared. Thank you. Um
For presenting this I'm very excited for this community to
have a more open space. So, thank you Tama Jenkins.
Thank you. We can move to the second 1 great. Uh, my second
item is 3:52 South Cosner. Also in Alderman Ervin Ward at
28.
Um, this uh site is about 3,000 square feet 10% of the
value is 882
Um, this is West Garfield Park.
Um, it's zoned rt4.
the city acquired it in 1996
Uh, the all 3 of these have also passed the um plan
commission and CDC.
Here's a location map and a zoning map.
And the last slide shows, um, Brian ransom's, um plan he
lives um nearby on the Block and he wants to use the space
for his block Club.
He has a 5.
Uh 5700 budget to fence the site, um and program it with
trees and wild flowers and Landscaping.
Um, and that concludes my presentation for 40.
Um 352 South Kostner. Thank you any questions on this item.
Otherwise we can move to the next 1 great. Thank you. Uh
for my last 1 4236 West Monroe 28th Ward. Um, this site is
located in West Garfield Park 10% of the value, uh is 915
the applicant is Victoria giddens.
It is zoned rt4.
Um, you can see it's the it's on a residential block. Um,
there's the zoning map and location map.
And Victoria's plan is similar to the others. She wants to
plant flowers maintain the lawn, um add a fence, um benches
and tables. Uh, her budget is approximately dollars. Um,
and she lives 2 Doors Down from this um from this site,
And my last slide is in case anyone has questions about
should I block Builder? Um, once these are approved by city
council the applicant has to um complete their um,
Site plan that they submitted to us within 1 year of
closing. Uh, they cannot sell it for 5 years.
Uh, they must uh pay the property taxes and they have to
maintain the property as um proposed in their application
slides.
uh materials
Thank you. Thank you. Are there any question?
Thank you chair Meg. Thank you so much for like talking us
through these projects are really exciting. I'm curious
when you talk about the budget for these projects.
Are these the resident the residents um own Financial
contributions to to the build out of these spaces?
Typically it is yes. Um, sometimes they're getting grants.
Um, I have 1 coming up in Alderman mit's Ward where there's
um some menu or not menu funds but um other um, like some
kinds of aldermanic funds we also yes. Thank you Alderman.
Um,
Then we also have Urban a sites and those are getting
Community Growers program funding some of those are getting
menu funds.
um
I have 1 in your word for that on 18th coming up. Yeah, I I
guess I ask because I at once I appreciate that and then I
also think about
not knowing like the the the level of contributions in the
OSF accounts for these particular Community areas and
knowing how challenging it can be to move OSF my ordinance
probably for projects as small as this.
Is there a way to make OSF work on the these kinds of?
small scale high impact
neighborhood open space projects
I believe if they are public um and open to the public we
can expend impact fees there. Um, it would be best if they
were a nonprofit or a friends group, um or involved with
neighbor space. Um, that would that would make it a lot
easier for them to go through the process, but I won't rule
it out on its
I think some of these though are are not they don't we are
not requiring the open space be open to the public, but
some of them are okay and that involves insurance and all
kinds of stuff that a lot of these residents don't want to
provide and shouldn't have to provide and if they receive
open space impact fee funds they would have to have it open
to everyone. So and sometimes the informal route may be the
easiest route. Yeah take it. Thank you so much. Thank you
chair. Thank you. Bye.
Important. Thank you chair. Pardon me. If I missed it on
previous slide. I didn't I don't remember seeing any
information regarding the remediation.
Environmental remediation. So everything we're selling in
this round has been cleared by 2 FM, okay.
So it is a category A or B and does not need remediation.
And that is a great question. That's how we were able to
sell these so quickly. Okay. Thank you. Thank you Alderman
Mitchell any other questions? Otherwise, can I get a motion
to approve this item? So moved by the person who hadn't all
those in favor say I?
All in the opinion of the chair the eyes have it.
Congratulations to the 28th word. Thank you Meg.
The do pass recommendation of these ordinance will be
reported out at the next city council meeting on May 22nd
2024 item number 7 is ordinance 2024 D 00000 8955
negotiated sale of vacant as is City on property at 642
Northwood Avenue to Myrtle Malone in the
37 word Taylor Thompson from the Department of planning and
development is present to testify on behalf of these
ordinance. Thank you Taylor.
Good afternoon, chairman and members of the committee. Uh,
my name is James Michaels.
From the Planning Development Department. I'll be
presenting this item. This item is a fair market sale for
the unimproved city-owned parcel located at 642 North
Lockwood Avenue to Myrtle Malone. The property is to be
used as a landscape open space and neighborhood Garden the
sale prices 12000 and the praise market value is 122000.
The vacant lot dimensions are 25 by 1 333.92 or 3348 square
feet. Approximately the parcel has support from 37 toward
Alderman Emma mitts and the department has obtained a
clearance on the parcel. So in this map here we see that b
is the applicant's property and a is the city parcel.
That concludes my presentation on this parcel. Thank you
Taylor. Are there any questions from the committee members?
Otherwise, can I get a motion to approve this item? So move
by by by Sher Mitchell all those in favor say I
All those opposing a in the opinion of the the chair the
eyes have it. They do pass recommendation of these orders
will be reported out at the next city council meeting on
May 22nd 2024. Thank you. Um, we have 1 more item. Um, and
I think um,
um this item
Is going to be Taylor Thompson. Yes, thank you. So, uh the
sale of this is ordinance 2024.000 8972 sale of City on
properties in the 15th world to adjacent neighborhoods
under chai block Builder platform Taylor Thompson from the
Department of planning and development is present to
testify on behalf of these orders. Thank you Taylor.
Good afternoon chairman members of the committee for the
record. My name is Taylor Thompson from the Department of
Planning and Development. This item is the disposition of
11 side yard land sales received through the shop block
Builder platform located in the 15th Ward and within a new
city in West Englewood Community areas.
The department has recent automatic support from Automan
Raymond Lopez.
In terms of location. This is where the 11 disposable.
This law provides an overview of the side yard dispositions
eligible buyers were required to show proof of owner
occupancy and must own and reside in the home directly
adjacent to the city property.
The sale price for qualified purchasers is 10% of the
appraised market value.
Shop block Builder side yard D's requirement within 6
months after they are improved applicants can use the
property for any use permitted by zoning.
Another consideration is that each buyer? Cannot sell the
property for 5 years.
The next 4 slides includes the 1100 properties for each
parcel. The included information is the applicant's
property location existing conditions zoning and the agreed
purchase price which represents 10% of the market value.
This is the first 3
second slide
of the buyers
additional slide
and the final group
in summary, the department of Planning and Development has
reviewed the proposed sale of the city Parcels to qualify
buyers in the 15th award. The department reviewed its
public benefits and recommends approval that includes some
presentation. Thank you. Thank you and this item has a
support of the 15th world. Aldermen. Are there any
questions for Committee Member?
Otherwise, can I get a motion to approve by other person who
hadn't all those in favor? Say I?
All those oppose a name in the opinion of the chair the
eyes have it. They do pass recommendation of these orders
will be reported out at the next city council meeting on
May 22nd 2024.
This last 4 items come from the Department of Housing item
number 9 is ordinance 202400000000. 8891 amendment of
Municipal Code section. 2-44 D 085
Oh, they're still oh.
I think we're still waiting for the person for the person
for the Department of
yeah, so we're going to we're going to skip um, so we have
the person for this 1 we're going to skip on uh item 9.
We're going to move on item 10. We're going to come back 2
item 9 item number 10 is ordinance 2024 0000000 8906
amendment to e r a p subscription-based software license
agreement with uncore Inc for past use of proprietary.
Platform through November 3rd 2023 and for projected use
and access by the Department of Housing for the period of
April 30th, 2023 through December 31st, 2024 Daniel Castle
from the Department of Housing is present to testify on
behalf of disorders. Thank you. Thank you all man greetings
everyone. My name is Daniel Cassell. I'm with Department of
Housing. I'm here today to seek an amendment for the on
core platform. We use for emergency rental assistance.
Um during the co era.
right now
We are currently closing Out programs and we still need
access to the uh to the platform in order to report out on
our foyers, um our audit obligations as well as fraud
investigations that we currently have going, um in regards
to the rental assistance program.
Um at this time, we the the contract is expired expired
last year in 2023. Um during that time frame we still um
needed access to the platform and we were a little bit out
of compliance costing us 241,000 838 and that was from the
time frame of April 30th to um, November, um 4th 2023.
Right. Now we're seeking to extend the contract. It'll cost
us, uh, roughly $150,000 to extend through. Uh, December
30th. This will give us the ability to close out our
programs as well as as well as attain our data and have it
in a usable format so that we're able to um continue to
respond to um, um complaints or I mean our complaints for
us or or audit requests.
Thank you. We have a question all the person. Uh, hadn't
I
Um, and thanks Danielle. Um, you said you were out of
compliance.
You meant well out of contract. I'm sorry. Okay. Sorry, I
was I was curious. Okay, so you were out of contract. So
are you saying we were paying like a monthly out of
contracts kind of Premium costs? Yes for Access. Um, and
now we're looking to extend the contract. Yes. Um,
Will will this give us options for further contract
extensions? Should we choose to still use the software for
another program or need access to it? I believe so, um on
core because you know, they're they're very flexible. I
figure um, once we get around December they're going to
reach out again to see if we we still need the service. Uh,
the platform is adjustable. Um, if you can use it for
rental assistance case management and different things like
that as well.
um, so to follow up questions
Have you fixed the the Gap in communication that caused us
to like why didn't you do this last year? And so are you
guys better aligned to not cost us extra money?
Like by being kind of pay per use out of contract and do you
guys have a plan for re-evaluating so that you can get in
front of us to do a contract extension if it's needed next
next time absolutely. Um, we fill out a we fill will the
contract expired just have some communication issues with
law and it
Just it's kind of all we can blame the Law Department. All
right, now we can blame the Law Department. That's cool.
Um, uh that works that works. I like that 1 um, but then as
another follow-up question. So you mentioned that it's a
it's a pretty interesting, uh and flexible platform that
could be used for for future things. This is more of a um,
maybe through the chair. Uh, keep us keep us posted maybe
on some of the things that you guys are looking. I know as
we get into um, uh budget discussions and as we're looking
at different things that we are uh refocusing maybe um, you
know arpa dollars on um, you know, I'm interested in what
it could do for us and um would definitely, you know,
encourage the department to
not be uh, shy about coming back to us if it's like, hey,
you know, we we did a we did a contract extension to do
this thing, but maybe we also want to use this software for
this other program or support it in some way. So just you
know through the chair as as you guys need it would be
curious about what other applications it might have. Thank
you chair. Thank you. I think I'll do my head and any other
questions.
Otherwise, can I get a motion to approve this item?
to mobile the person admits all those in favor say I
all those opposed the name in the eyes of the chair the
eyes have it the do pass recommendation for this ordinance
will be reported out at the next city council meeting on
May 22nd 2024. Now we're going to come back to item number
9 now. We have a representative Department of Housing. Uh
item number 9 is ordinance 2024 Z 8891 amendment of
Municipal Code section 2-44 085 to clarify the affordable
requirement ordinance Ricardo Lopez from the Department of
Housing is present to testify on behalf of this ordinance.
Thank you chairman. Uh Ricardo Lopez with the Aro project
manager with Department of Housing. Um, this is a uh,
simple correction to section 24485 specifically subsection
F of the Aro, um, the the the the initial intention of the
Aro was to take away the average approach with incomes, um
the ordinance
As initially written, uh, made it optional for the
developers to choose from the options.
Um the from these options, um, the goal of the Aro is to
encourage, uh developers that have an obligation of 6 units
or more to elect from these options. So the correction that
we made was simply to remove to to correct the language to
not make it optional and make it require. Um, so developers
that are required to provide 6 or more on-site or off-site
for units have to select 1 of the following options for
compliance. Um, and all of those options have to have a cap
of no more than 80% of the Ami
That's basically it.
Any question all the women had in? Hi Ricardo. It's good to
see you. Yeah, um.
So this is cleaning up language because if I recall the
intent was to not make it optional but was to make it
mandatory for them to choose from 1 of those options.
That's right. Okay, that's all. Yep.
Bye. Yeah, thank you. Can you go back to the the previous?
Yeah, okay, so
I thank you for the clarification. Um what happened? So in
the past developers absolutely chose. No option. Is that
what happened?
No so far. Uh, since the the 2021 Aero has taken effect
majority of the developers have selected Option 1, which is
the 20% at a weighted average of 60% Ami. Uh, we do have 2
projects that have selected option 10, which is to reduce
the 20% set aside to 10% but to provide units at 30% Ami
Yes, so so far every every developer that has come in has
complied with with with the intent of the ordinance. Okay.
We just wanted to correct that to make sure that we avoid a
situation in which a developer comes to us and says hey I
actually don't I don't have to select from these options. I
can provide all of my units at 60% Ami that's that's not
the intent of the arrow. Okay. Thank you. Then. Go back to
forward to the other slide. Um through the chair. Can you
provide? Um
Where the inclusionary areas and the community preservation
areas are throughout your throughout the city. Yeah, we can
do that possible. Well, you should be able to do a note
with Ward. It's in absolutely. Okay. Thank you. Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Chair any other questions?
Otherwise, can I get a motion to approve this item?
by other other women hadn't uh, all those in favor say I
all those opposed the name in the opinion of the chair the
eyes have it. They do pass recommendation of these orders
will be reported out at the next city council meeting on
May 22nd 2024. Um now we're going to the next item item 11,
uh ordinance 0 Ordnance.
Okay, good afternoon chairman and members of the committee
again for the record. I am Katrina Collins. I am a
financial planning analyst with do I'm joined today by
Garrett Bojack from representing Lincoln Village. So, um
today we'll be discussing the loan subordination of Lincoln
Village Senior Apartments.
The property is located at the southeast intersection of
West Devon Avenue in Mccormick Boulevard. This 7 Story
senior housing building is located at 6057 North Lincoln
Avenue in the 50th word under alderwoman Deborah
Silverstein. We have received a letter of support from her.
Um dated in March.
There are 102 units that are 100% affordable for households
earning no more than 60% of the area median income. The
project is through with its initial 15-year tax credit
compliance term and is now operating under its extended use
agreement for affordability.
Um, I do want to emphasize there's no new city money in the
associated with this transaction. Again, the requested
action today is for a loan subordination, but I am going to
go a little bit into the financing background the city of
Chicago secured approximately 8.4 million dollars with tax
exempt bonds the bonds do not mature until June 1st of
2040. The bonds were originally enhanced through BMO Harris
their letter of credit matured in May of 2023. It was
extended but due to expire again in May of 2024 the current
principal balance.
Of the bonds is approximately 3.7 million. The second
mortgage is through the city of Chicago. Um, it was given
through home funds for 6.3 million, which does not mature
until May of 2038.
So the requested action today Lincoln Villages seeking
approval to subordinate the existing second mortgage home
loan to facilitate a mortgage refinance to the primary debt
creating a new for First Mortgage. Lincoln Village is
proposing a refinance of the first mortgage through Fen
Fanny Freddy, Mack or nef or a total of 4.1 million
dollars. The price will cover the payoff of the first
mortgage, um, third-party loan or legal fees and 113
thousand dollars of project updates with their planning on
um, updating the roof.
So the current first mortgage has a variable rate bond. The
new loan will be a fixed term loan.
Um, which will create better Financial certainty and will
increase the cash flow which will be reinvested back into
the property for building improvements at this time. We
have received the 2 letters of interest from um, NF and uh
Merchants capital for Fannie Freddy. They expect the rate
lock to be determined approximately 1 week closer to
closing.
And so our request today is to seek approval to authorize
this subordination of the city's Junior mortgage. The
authorization will secure the 6.3 million home loan, um,
which will facilitate a mortgage refinance to the primary
debt creating a new first mortgage and that concludes my
presentation.
Thank you. Are there any questions? Uh, all the women had?
Um, thank you. Um
I know you said there's no additional kind of City funds in
this does this does this and like practice change any
expectation we would have of like kind of the maturity of
this mortgage or when we would get paid off. No. No it
will.
Oh, I was just going to resay that um our home phones.
Don't mature until 2038.
Nothing will be affected with that. We still maintain the
affordability through the regulatory agreement for the next
14 years and do we incur any fees or or have to um charge
any fees for this process this loan the home feed. Uh, this
won't any fees. No, uh this loan though does have a 1%
interest rate, which will be due at maturity as a balloon
payment. Okay. Thank you.
Thank you. Uh alderman
Can I like thank you Tara on the side of that is this of any
implicit implications for the affordability of the units?
What's the
what's the term of affordability move? Um, so with Home
Loans you get a total of 30 years when it's initially
released or through with the initial 15-year affordability
and now we're in the extended use, so we still have 14 more
years left for affordability for this building fantastic.
Thank you. Thank you chair. Thank you.
Um, you you indicated that the rate would not be determined
until 1 week prior to closing what is currently and a
variable rate. Correct? What is it at now? It means it can
change know. What's the variable rate at now? Oh I can get
you that I don't have that available, but I can get that to
you through the chip. Okay, and then also when it gets to
when when it turns into a fix, um
Give us an idea of what that looks like, uh, because the
way interest rates have gone up.
I would think that now fix is going to be locked into a
high rate at this point in time. So I'm just curious about
if that's a if that's what we do. That's what we do, but I
yeah doesn't seem too financially free.
um
I don't know if this exactly answers it. So what the
developer had shared with me is the annual amortization has
been increasing. Um, so from last year it was 160 thousand
and it's due to go up another 20,000 right? That's because
of the variable rate interest rate.
You can get it through this year because I'm because I
there's rates have raised pretty rapidly over the last
couple years, but now we're at a so I would like to see
where we are. Now what and then what we're looking at it
potentially is going to lock into absolutely.
Thank you much point of clarification by Al Al Al right. Um
and this is the point of clarification. So the the change
from the variable to the fix that's on their mortgage that
has nothing to do with us, right? So that's just I think
that's just on the first mortgage. So that's that's just
kind of on them. So we're not looking at any changes really
on our side of it, correct? Okay.
Thank you. I'll do my head any other questions. Otherwise,
can I get a motion to approve this item?
So move by Alderman all those in favor say I
All those opposed say name in the eyes of the chair the
eyes have it. They do pass recommendation of these item
ordinance will be reported out at the next city council
meeting on May 22nd 2024. Um, so bear with us, this is the
last item. We have a substitute for our last item on the
agenda the substitute the substantive.
Changing these is to remove approximately 60 Lots, uh,
because they fell into 1 of the following categories.
Uh, they are on the city's historic Boulevard system, which
is excluded from the city lots for Working Families
program. They have already been sold and lastly they were
previously set aside for open space in addition. This
substitute will not include previously listed Lots in the
ninth word.
All committee members have received a digital copy of this
ordinance via email.
Going to get a motion to accept and consider the substitute
ordinance.
so moved by Master Mitchell all those in favor say I
all those opposed the name in the opinion of the chair the
eyes have it. So now we have item 12 the last item in
front, um of the committee for today, this is Asa 022024.
That's 0000000 8969.
Sale of various City on properties to United power for
action and Justice and their City lots for Working Families
program in the 20th and 24th on know from the Department of
Housing is present to testify on behalf of this ordinance.
Thank you, Brian.
Thank you. Good afternoon. Chairman CEO Lopez Vice chair
Mitchell and committee members.
For the record, my name is Brian O'Donnell present
presenting today on behalf of the home ownership Bureau of
the Department of Housing.
President and the gallery today are Amy Taj lead organizer
for United power for action and Justice while I call the
Reyes of the Resurrection project.
Joseph Mapp who you heard from in the public speaking.
Yes.
Oh, yes. Thank you. Uh, thank you we meet if if you're
hearing your name, can you stand up so the all the person
can identify you?
Call the Reyes Joseph map of precious blood ministry of
reconciliation Kevin Sutton of iff.
Kayla Williams of Sunshine Gospel Ministries and Whitney
Smith of blondeel Christian development Corp and many other
supporters who I whose names I do not know.
They got the full team today.
All right. Thank you so much. Thank you, and it's good to
see you all.
the city owns over 11,000 Parcels of land excluding those
controlled by 2 FM
22 of these 11,000 Parcels have been owned by the city
since the 1950s.
85 had been owned since the 1960s.
723 have been owned since the 1970s.
587 since the 1980s
2022 since the 1990s
3,505 since the 2000s and 717 since the last decade.
21.6% of these 11,000 Parcels are located in Just 2 Wards
the 20th Ward and the 24th Ward.
Do is home ownership Bureau manages the city lots for
Working Families program.
And for the sake of brevity, I will refer to the program as
City lots for the remainder of this presentation.
I have been fortunate to present.
Several City Lots development proposals to this committee
over the past several years.
all of which were approved by the committee and the full
Council
it has become increasingly apparent that despite the hard
work of my colleagues and the small develop developers with
whom we work.
The piecemeal approach to residential for sale development
moves it too slow of a pace to make a meaningful dent in
either the sale of land and areas were so much a
city-owned.
Or in the development of Housing and the resulting wealth
creation and neighborhood stabilization stabilization that
we all seek.
The for developers shown here all members of United Power.
Are seeking to use the city laws program to develop housing
and communities where they are already working.
While 488 Lots is a large number that represents only 4.4%
of the over 11,000 Lots owned by the city.
The effort is part of the reclaiming Chicago effort
initiated by United Power.
1 amazing aspect of the reclaiming Chicago effort is to
prodigious fundraising undertaken by the group.
Over 18 million dollars have been raised. Some of it is an
interest-free revolving construction loan fund for its
Developers.
Some of it is home buyers subsidy.
Their home buyer grants will bring sale price down to
250,000 even though the development costs are approximately
dollars.
Depending on the Builder in the home model.
Any buyer of these homes can also apply for the building
neighborhood in affordable home program grants from the
city.
This do8 subsidy can be as high as and can lower the
mortgage amount for income eligible buyers.
Our current understanding is that the developers will Begin
by constructing modular homes either by connects or
inherent homes?
Both modular Builders can produce several homes per month.
But the dough will not restrict developers or only these
homes if the developers think that stick build homes or a
different modular Builder will better meet the man. Then
Doh will review the designs in the new Builder. So the
effort can continue uninterrupted
We expect that for tranches of approximately 125 Lots each
will be the method of conveyance. Although that that will
be split amongst 4 Developers.
Lots will be sold as is.
The developers will order title reports for lots for which
we don't already have them.
Do and DBT real estate will review these reports so that
Lots 1 conveyed are clear of any back taxes or other
encumbrances.
the first stage of lots for only
are only lasts categorized by 2 FM is a or b.
A and B Lots, do not require a phase 1 assessment before a
conveyance.
This approach is 1 of Mayor Johnson's 10 big bets
highlighted in the cut the tape report.
Developers will have 5 years to develop housing on the 488
parcels.
Here are other 206 20th W. Lots requested by the
resurrection project and precious blood ministry of
reconciliation.
The latter clustered north of Sherman Park and between
Bishop Street and Green Street.
on a lower left side of this slide and the next 3 slides
you can see the median sale price and the number of sales
from 2023 and the given Community areas.
Here are other 207 Lots requested by Lawndale Christian or
lcdc in Ward 24.
Lots are mainly north of Ogden south of Roosevelt and
between Albany and Avers.
Sunshine Gospel Ministries has requested 55 Lots in the
20th Ward.
Lots are split between Washington Park and Woodlong
Community areas.
Any Woodland Lots would be subject to the 2020 Woodland
ordinance governing governing sale of land they're in.
If is requesting 20 Lots in the ward 24.
In february this year this committee and the full Council
approved the sale of 5 lots to iff.
Did these lots that you're seeing now are meant to round
out the development of the previously approved home and
homes development.
Most of the parcels are in the north are in North Lawndale,
but at half the map there are 4 Parcels at the corner of
home and Polk in East Garfield Park.
This is just a refresher of the key benefits of the city
Lots program and a reminder about the banana program.
We are thankful at the end of my presentation if there are
questions I or a representative of the United Power Team
will attempt to answer them. Thank you. And if United power
is answering questions, that will be either well call the
Rees or Whitney Smith of blondeel Christian. Thank you.
Thank you. So I have all the all the women meets followed
by all the women hadn't followed by Alderman bio Alderman
Alderman Quinn
That's the boy.
All right other 1 and good afternoon. Thank you, Mr.
Chairman. Um.
If I'm not mistaken, I'm looking at the wrong ordinance.
Where did Hope Center Foundation?
Come in up there. Yes. It's on the substitute good good
questions. Yeah, so the substitute and that's a great
question. So the substitute uh removed those lots from the
ninth ward. So this is a strictly on the 20th and 24th
word. So that's what the substitute did basically remove
those those um those items from the Hope Center Foundation.
Okay. That was a question. Um, Sunshine Gospel Ministry.
On the ordinance. I'm looking at it says 63. I think I
heard you say 55.
Yeah, so yeah, that is that doesn't the substitute as well.
Okay. I rest my case. Thank you very much. Yeah, just want
to make sure yeah, that's that's just for clarity. That's
what was substituted. Uh those 2 changes were made. Okay.
Thank you. Thank you all the women meets. Um other women
have it.
Thank you cheer.
Uh, I was enjoying your presentation. You know, we're now
have to rush to to have you finish it. Um, actually my
first question, uh comes from the point that you made when
we were accepting the substitute. Um, so I know that um,
you mentioned that some of the Lots were removed due to um,
uh certain restrictions and 1 of them and you'll have to
refresh my memory if I'm not saying this exactly correctly
was um, because there were lots of long historic boulevards
that are excluded from our shy block Builder.
No, they're excluded in the enabling ordinance for the city
lats. We're working families programs. Gotcha for the city
lots for Working Families program. Could you speak a little
bit to that? Sure. So when the program was being created in
2017, um,
Matt Crawford of planning was working on establishing, uh,
the historic Boulevard district with the federal government
and so as um,
we agreed to keep those Parcels out of uh
The city Lads program and what's the status of that
program? I believe it passed.
So like the historic boulevards program. Yeah, but what's
been happening is like anything happening on it. Did it get
Federal funding? Uh, I can ask man to get information to
the chair. I I would be happy to hear that because you know
on on the surface hearing that we're going to exclude Lots
on historic boulevards from programs for building housing
for Working Families, um made me cringe a little bit. Um,
and so I would definitely love through the chair and update
on on that historic Boulevard program because you know,
what are we doing with that? Um, uh, so this this is
exciting to see this move forward. Um, I love this program.
So really excited that the Department's been working so
hard on this and you know, even seeing the notes here about
right qualifying grants things that we're doing to
encourage home ownership. Um, I guess I do have a question
about um, uh, you mentioned the kind of additional
flexibility the Department's given
You know to not just have it be around modular homes that
the the developers are going to have a little uh bit more
freedom. I'm wondering and this is more a question for the
developers the respective ones. Um, my question would be
kind of how many
how many contractors are they working with and how many
with with these kind of allowances and if we pass this, um
about how many homes do they project to to be able to build
kind of in in the next like in this year and maybe what the
plan would be for the next year?
Does anyone from we have some members of United Power if
you for the record if you can also introduce yourself for
the record and thank you for being here.
Uh, good afternoon everyone. My name is Whitney Smith. I am
deputy director for Londo Christian Development
Corporation. It's a great question. Thank you for pausing
it. So currently, uh, we are working with 3.
Um General Contractors and in talks with several more and
capacity looks different. Um, but we are talking to general
contractors who can build at scale our biggest hindrance.
Thus far has really been securing the Lots so that we can
have those more in-depth conversations. Um, we've been the
3 that we have been talking with and working with
currently. We've been working with for 2 and a half years
and so have been saying to them we're going to get to scale
we're going to get to scale for that duration.
And um for most of those Builders the competitive price
point is actually at uh, 20 homes. And so we have no uh
concern about being able to develop all of the homes As We
are continuing to build out. The number of general
contractors are working with and continuing to uh, partner
even more deeply with the ones we're currently working with
as a follow-up to that so would you say that kind of
previously 1 of your challenges had been
trying to kind of contract for 1 home or 2 homes or 3
homes. And so now when you talk about its scale you'll
would you say that was 1 of the challenges and that like
finding somebody that could.
Yeah, I I think um, I'm sorry what the resurrection
project. Um, most of us we started with the our own lots
that we had. Uh, but in that case the main obstacle was
that the uh, the the the bureaucracy so we are very excited
about the uh, cut the tape right because that is also a
critical component and the other component is was Whitney
just mentioned which is the number of lots because the
general contractor can be way more competitive in terms of
the pricing if they're able to manage 20 30 Lots at the
same time, even though they might be in different
neighborhoods, but that will allow them to give us a a a
better price and that's really how we get to scale. But
yeah, it's really been difficult trying to uh, negotiate
with
numbers smaller than that
Thank you. Thank you and Alderman be a follow up about
alderman.
Thank you, Mr.
Uh
I wanted to just narrow down on some of the questioning.
Um, I mean, I didn't hear a definitive answer on how how
many houses per week per month per year. Can we construct?
And I think the best thing we can do for you is to give you
a you know, what we get from our contractors, which is a
time line for construction. I will say to you that um, you
know modular moves especially quickly, but our other home
builders are pumping out homes for us and really a sixth
month time frame and they're doing it multiple Homes at a
time, right? So in Lawndale for this past year we were able
to build at 1 time based on the number of private Lots. We
had 10 with 1 company and 8 with another
Okay, actually more than that. Let me let me stop you.
You're not answering my question. Okay. Well, we my my my
my my question is how many homes?
Can they produce and build in 1 week 1 month 1 year? So the
contractor we're already working with and I was giving you
an example of what they've been already able to do in order
for me to roll into what their capacity is right now and
building that, you know, just that context for you guys. So
breaking ground who we've been working with already across
the neighborhoods is a stick Builder. They've already
committed to being able to build for a year how many 40 40
Okay, Parton who we are in conversation with working with
is trying to go even higher than that. So.
Okay, so you're saying 1 contract you're saying 40 per year
and Tartan is saying 40 50 a year.
And those are not the only we're talking to God and we're
still working with connects. We have uh Toro construction,
which is a hybrid Builder. It's both uh, stick built and
modular. Um, they also, you know have said their
competitive price point starts at 20 homes and they go up
from there in terms of quantity.
Okay, thank you. Um, but is it I'm I'm good.
Thank you.
Um
The department who I I see where we're talking about up to
100,000 per home.
How do you determine the difference between
Uh who gets 50,000 75,000 100,000. How are you going to
determine that?
So there are 2 get categories what is people who live in
the local community and then people from the outside. So
people who live in the community can get a higher amount if
they're below 80% of Ami they can get a 100,000.
If they're between 81 and 90 they can get 90,000 in a
scales down to if they're between 121 and 140% of Ami they
get 60,000. Okay, and then it drops for 10,000 for so the
formula is based off of their income. Yes. Okay. Good deal.
Um
next, uh, you know, we we actually and I wanted to clarify
from 1 of my colleagues, uh, you know, my Lots were removed
from this process because uh, we passed my Lots last month.
Uh, so there was no need to pass something twice. Um,
because we know that my Lots were been sitting since last
februari and we finally got those passed. Um, now knowing
that um, you know, the conversation that I had with the
commissioner, um, the ordinance that I put forth. Um, you
know, I
Don't want to speak for her because she's not here. But but
the conversation we had was my ordinance was basically
identical to the ordinance that you all submitted, uh for
these 35 lots. And so knowing that uh, I'm hearing that we
may need to
um pass another ordinance or 2 in order for my lots to take
advantage of the uh, permit fee waiver and also the subsidy
and I'm just curious why if the ordinance was the same. Why
do we have to have a trailer ordinance for my life to take
advantage of those amenities?
So
I can tell you what what I've been told but I it's more of
a legal question. Um
your Ordnance referenced the city lats program by name and
and said it would uh, they were the lats could get the
benefits in an exhibit that wasn't there in in your
Ordnance. It was uh,
so that is why I think she said what she said.
But the Law Department, I'll ask the law department to get
something through the Law Department here.
Yeah, but it it would have to be like a realist Department
of real estate. Um, well, I mean it my lot still went
through the department program.
And so I'm just I'm just curious why we could not just in
the RDA, um, you know, reflect the fee waivers and the
extra amenities without having a trailer ordinance behind
it. If we can do that, uh, that that'd be great. It'd be
less, you know less work so, okay. All right. Well, let's
have the Law Department. Look at that because I think it's
just easier to have uh, all these um, extra amenities
included in the RDA and that way we won't have to have
another ordinance to pass through um, you know city council
and hopefully, you know, since you know, my lots have been
sitting since februari that my RDA will get done before
these 488 that you know got a hearing in 2 weeks and uh,
you know, hopefully my RDA can get done in a timely manner
because we're under construction. We've already constructed
6 homes, uh in the Ninth Ward and we're we're rolling our
sleeves up and we're ready to continue to go. Uh, so I saw
the houses they look good. I absolutely so we want to keep
that ball rolling so
I just want to make sure that I have your commitment and the
Department's uh commitment to make sure that we don't have
any hiccups with my residents taking advantage of these
other amenities without having a other uh ordinance that
comes behind it. I can commit that I'll do what I can uh,
but I don't I'm not the decision maker for for anything. So
well, it sounds like the law department is but we can't get
the Law Department up here, huh?
Listen, uh this this item this item is not even on the
agenda. We allowing we allowing this discussion for the
purpose of clarity. Thank you. So, please
Thank you.
All right. Well pleased again, we're we're we're committed
to making this happen. This is this is a great program
great project and a great ordinance. And um, you know, I
just want to make sure that we're all moving forward
together. Thank you Alderman, uh Alderman Quinn
Thank you so much.
uh
chair
No, there's a I feel like there's a couple different
narratives. So I just want Clarity because we talked
earlier in the substitute about
60 Lots being removed and you listed some of the exceptions
that required the removal.
Were they were they removed or were they passed through the
separate ordinance? Could someone provide Clarity they were
they were deleted from the ordinance that was submitted.
So the ordinance didn't really change the exhibit change in
the last that weren't eligible or that had already been
sold or had been committed for open space were removed.
Got it. Okay. I think I'm grasping. Uh, I'll
briefly say that I I share.
uh, all the woman headings interest in concerned related to
the historic Boulevard District, I think our
I'm just so curious for the for the policy rationale for
that because I think our historic boulevards belong to
Working Families as much as they belong to anyone else.
And so hopefully we have an opportunity to to come back and
look at that in the future.
Um, but I would only add to all this that uh, we talked
about this and cut the tape was 1 of these 10 big bets.
This this bet is even money. I wouldn't even take this bet
to bet against any of these organizations. Uh,
Is is a Bad Bet because they have such a proven track
record. Truly. This is work that the iaf if you look at the
Bronx, if you look across the country, if you look at any
of these organizations, they're proven ability to build
homes to build affordable homes to transform communities.
Um
Is so uh proven in concrete. So I'm I'm really glad for this
work for this round and to keep it going in the future.
Thank you so much. And also I didn't even miss if I didn't
say thank you to all of the leaders in the back who shared
their stories we shared the stories of their communities
and how much this work matters to them you your words.
Despite how they can feel received in committee. Do not
fall on deaf ears. Thank you so much for sharing.
Thank you chair. Thank you Alderman aespa. We have Alderman
Queen followed by alburnett.
And then finally Alderman Taylor Alvin Quinn. Thank you.
Thank you Mr. Chair. Um
a quick question about
the jobs or is there any jobs for community members created
through this construction, you know, we talked about jobs
quite a bit in this chamber and they'd be remiss not to ask
that question. Sure. So it will depend on who the Builder
is. Uh, if the Builder is if the home is being built in a
factory then the factory workers will be completing most of
the work. Uh, although there is always going to be some
work to be done. When that when the house is put or the
parts are put on onto the foundation. Um, I'll I'll let the
developers address the other part.
Um, so the short answer is yes, there are jobs and even for
the homes that are built in the factory. Um, you know, we
are very blessed that the Partnerships we've developed with
the builders who we're working with are just that their
Partnerships. So we suggested a number of people to connect
for employment and they were able to get uh, some of them
were able to get employment with connects and and um beyond
that there are other opportunities that we are building
into the the programmatic aspect of this work to make sure
that we are uh training Folks up in the trades that's uh,
very important to us in our Cornerstone of the work,
especially that we're doing in North London Del as we're
building out, uh, work our own co-ops in conjunction with
this work a particularly a construction Co-op. That is uh,
Making sure that local residents not only have places to
work, but own that labor.
And and I just want to add that in the case of Back of the
Yards where we are working in conjunction with Precious
Blood because that's exactly what we want to do. We want to
be able to bring and 1 of the contractors already spend
talking to us about it and bringing the union the carpentry
Union in particular which historical construction because
we would like to have work force development and going
along to benefit the residents of our communities in
particular in Back of the Yards and we're particularly
looking with precious blood in the sense of working with
the re-entry population. That is very important.
Working for us because we would love to see 1 of those
individuals actually become a homeowner exactly.
And can you identify yourself just for the record? Yes. I'm
sorry what called the Rees with the resurrection project?
Thank you. And 1 other point Alderman The Lads that are in
Woodland. They they actually the Woodland ordinance
requires a local resident here. Yeah, it's it's great. Um,
I'm delighted to hear that. Um 1 of the concerns I have um
based on this conversation is that we haven't heard from
the local alers about how this is going to impact them. So
if that's possible, I'd love to hear uh from older woman
tailor and all the woman Scott about how this would impact
absolutely Elder woman Scott and then we can have a woman
tailor.
Oh, you know that I'm always transparent and so
I am hopeful that
these 500 Lots can be conveyed and and can be
Both Tops on these Lots, right? Uh, but we want to be
realistic and to say, you know,
At some point you have to say. Hey, are we giving too many,
you know, or I mean it's a process and so you don't want to
I don't want to put the partners that I have in the
community in a trick bag and they don't make the 125 in a
year. So that's to approve this ordinance. That's something
that they have to think about because this is what they've
agreed to.
I am here to support them. I don't I don't build the houses,
but I'm here to support them on the ordinance. But I'm I'm
going to be realistic to say that can we actually do this?
125? Um, it is something I I don't care. If so for me
me putting 50 homes in a in a community where 3,000 vacant
Lots exists is huge, right?
Putting 10 there is huge because we're getting we're we're
adding to the tax role which doesn't exist right now, but
we do have to be realistic when we are speaking with all 3
Alders and the different Community groups you make you have
to make sure that you are going to hold to the commitment
of the 125. That's not my commitment. That's the commitment
that you're making and so I have to say that on record
because this is the commitment that you've made as the
developer we have to make sure that we have honest, uh,
transactions and and honest speaking that we have these
these contractors that are going to do the work and who are
the contractors that that are going to do the work because
we know that kinetic doesn't connect connect connect
connect doesn't exist. So we have to make sure that we have
those.
Contractors that are in place that can do this, so I'm happy
for 10. I'm happy for 20, but I want to make sure that you
know, it goes on record for me that 125 is what you 125
units of what you're committing to for how many years
That's the first crunch, uh, the the 488 or whatever. The
number was you have to build 125 before you get the rest.
Absolutely so we have to make and so but what is the time
frame on that? Well, that'll be worked out in the uh
Redevelopment agreement. I imagine it would be like 4 and a
quarter years if if they have 5 years. Okay, so I mean and
so if it's 4 to 5 years, that's fair. You have 125 between
that's 2 Wards. So
Is realistic. It's realistic then um, but it but we have to
make sure that that is conveyed in our
RDA because right now
if if if Janette
if ultimate Taylor and Alderman bill and I had to meet
because we don't know the solid facts of the ordinance then
you know, those are things that needs to be communicated
right now through committee. So you got that bill.
Okay, Janette.
woman tailor
Yes, ma'am. So that those are questions that we do have
because there's no Clarity around how long will it be
because the concern of all of us is giving and let me say
this all the woman tailor is committing almost 400 Lots.
and that's total because I have 4 different organizations
that I believe in but what I don't want to do is make sure
that lots are just being held up for the sake of them being
held up. That's number 1 and number 2. They are made sure
that they own the Lots they keep they keep them. The 20th
Ward has had 4,000 vacant Lots over the last 5 years we
have about 3500 and a lot of those are in back of the yard
and in new city where the where these where this project
will happen. And so I need for that RDA to specify that.
They are going to keep them clean. It takes a entire month
for streets and saying with their grass contract to get my
water clean should be a little less with these lots. And so
I want to make sure that's in RDA. I believe in the
organizations who are pulling this off because I've already
saw start to see them do the work even before it was
brought to us and the thought that they're building home
ownership which all the woman tailor
does not own a home I don't I'm scared thinking about the
things that happened to the people who are down there
fussing with us not interested and we're talking about
housing. I spent 30 years on a cha housing list. So I am
confident that that we get housing right in the city of
Chicago. That's not for me that's for us to think about and
so if an organization is only asking for land and they're
saying they're going to be able to build these homes. I
want to believe in that but it's also irresponsible for me
not to say that's something in the RDA says after 2 or 3
years. If you not have build on them. They go back in the
pot for somebody else to build on.
And so to my co-workers, yes, this is something I believe
in I want to thank Alderman bill because it was his
Brilliance to say. Hey put this in the ordinance. So it
makes it easier for the organization. So I don't want to
give him I want to give him his props also with um with
alderwoman Scott saying hey, I've given lots and they have
not been billed on and so we need to make sure that RDA is
clear. All the woman tailor is already in the trick bag
with the RDA that was written for know Folks Southern that
I got to deal with that I struggle with all the time that
nobody is holding them accountable. And so what you're
hearing from the all the people who are speaking is to make
sure that in that RDA it is clear and is specific. I want
to thank the organizations for coming out for wanting to do
this because home ownership we know builds generational
wealth. Don't do it for black and brown people.
Definitely struggling for black folks, but I'm hoping that
the organizations do the work. There's a bunch of housing
classes that go with it to make sure that folks are able to
protect their Investments. Um, that's kind of where I am.
Of course. I'm a yes on it. I I asked for it to be
introduced but let's let's make sure that we're being smart
about it and that we we dot our eyes and cross our teas.
Thank you elder, man. Elderman. Um elderman Queen. Yep. Um,
I just wanted to Echo the uh, the public uh speaker from
precious blood in his his positive comments about the
Southwest, uh, organizing project swap of they've done
fantastic work, um for decades and because the they're
around this project. Um, I have a great deal of of
confidence. Um, and so I will be supporting this and I just
wanted to recognize Swap and all the good work. They have
done over the years around housing. So thank you. Thank you
Elven Quinn. Um, we have a alderman
Thank you.
We have Alderman brunette.
Alderman Bernette and then we can get again. I don't know
valuable Taylor needs to a few comments. She had some
questions but she can close us alburnett. Thank you, uh,
Mr. Chairman. And first of all, I want to say
congratulations to my colleagues. Uh, I think this is
fantastic. Congratulations to the Department of Housing.
Congratulations to the whole to all other organizations. Um
matter of fact, uh, I wish United power for action and
Justice will come to my ward and give us some money so I
can because you know, a lot of people sleep. They think
they think only had a food market. I got the west side too
and I got a lot of bacon lots too but 1 of the challenges
that I'm having and and and
You know, I'm in a quagmire right now because uh you all
doing this shy lot thing and then you're doing this thing
with them. I'd rather do this thing with them than to do
the shy lot thing. You know what I'm saying? Uh,
Because with this I know what I'm getting with the shy lot.
I don't know what I'm getting you you understand what I'm
saying. I rather have houses built in my life instead of
having speculators all over the place. I'm just being real
with you and and I and I got a challenge with that. I want
houses built on my lots too affordable houses built on my
lights and my water in a couple of Market rates, but I do
uh, so I know I was with I was with Josh when he first
started his organization, um, you know, and I I was with
Swanson when he first built his organization, uh, both of
them are real good people, uh, and and both of them had
these factories.
and and
And I wanted to ask what's happening with Josh. There's
rumors that Josh has closed down. Can we clarify what's
going on with his hair? Yes. I I think not in here with the
kex again the resurrection project and United Power reclaim
in Chicago. Yes. I first went to clarify the fact that kex
exists as a company what happened with kex is that it just
changed ownership, but they continue to function as a
modular Builder and they are actively working and this is
and they are 1 of the partners that we will continue to
work with. So I also we also want to address uh in my
particular case in terms of uh, the 20th where older women
tailored. I appreciate the opportunity to be honest and
transparent we want to be held accountable. Okay you have
in front of you community organizations and churches some
of us we are developers, but we've been developing
affordable housing for more than 30 years these 2
organizations here.
And we have developed homes trp started actually in 1990
developing single family homes in pilson, and we with our
effort as all of us United Power these last 2 years we have
built and we are in the process of 70 homes. Okay, and so
we have done significant number of home home ownership
already, and I also need to mention the besides the fact
that we want to create a Workforce capacity. We are
creating healthy homeowners because each 1 of us has a
counseling arm that is very very strong. So we work with
our families some of the families that testify today
waiting for a year and a half 2 years to be ready
financially ready to buy a home because the idea is not to
sell a home that 6 months later is going to go to
foreclosure. That's not what we are about and we have a
modern a modern tool but
Here that we've been doing this for more than 30 years. Now
if we work as partners us and the City of Chicago and
actually we see that the tape is being cut we can develop
those 100 homes per year maybe more because before we got
stuck with the with the amount of lots that we had
available because we most of us we build with our own
private lot and some of us we did get some City Lots
through a very tedious process, but we also got
Let's start with the building department. We see that with
water. So if we are able to put those pieces together you
we can commit as an as organizations that we are rooted in
our communities to deliver those 100 home for years. Yeah.
Thank you. So, so I'm not done. Thank you for the long
answer appreciate it. Appreciate your organization, you
know.
Her and I was on the plan commission together. She used to
be with bicker dice, you know, she's doing she's an expert.
So just so you all know that we we her and I've been
fighting in the trenches for affordable housing for a long
time. But uh, also I just want to mention so Sunshine
Gospel Ministries the sunshine here.
There it is. Okay. So Sunshine Gospel Ministries. I was her
age. I was involved with Sunshine Gospel Ministries. They
actually started in Cabrini Green. It was formed by a bunch
of Quaker, uh ministers Quakers started it in Cabrini Green
and they moved to the South Side. So we lost you all but
they still have folks from Cabrini Green who they have
helped to raise to be productive citizens in the city of
Chicago. So all of these organizations from what I
understand and what I know of they hard they hard they're
not just Builders of buildings. They're Builders of people,
right? They're hard. They're they're and, you know, just
like all of them precious blood deal with a lot of
recovering, um, returning residents and all of those
things. They all work in the
Community to help people get their get back on the ground.
So so I think this is great that they're doing that but my
other question is in in in in in my challenge is I've been
trying to get my Lodge built in my ward filled in in my
ward for a long time on the west side, but I keep and and I
keep bumping heads with this. You can't even sell my Lots
fast enough because of this environmental stuff. How do
they get to do 500 Lots when I'm just trying to do like a 4
or 500 of them you you done clean 500 of their lives
already man, and you got me hanging in my wall. What's the
deal? I want to know what's going on. So the first like the
first try will be latched at uh, Ben AIS now 2 FM said,
we're category A or B.
Um the rest we have to
sew can all the man. I want all my Lots built on then all
the lines get built on now if you give me a builder, I'll
make it happen. All right, good deal. That's what I want to
know. Okay, so let's do it. All right, I I'm excited about
it. This is good for our tax base is good to spread the tax
base out across the city of Chicago. It helps every Ward.
When this happens in these areas, it helps every Ward and
you talking about jobs you make in in in 1 thing I'm
concerned about is with both of these organizations
inherent and um and connect
We need to help them expand.
to.
these properties are conveyed how how soon before they the
property tax. Uh Bill starts coming.
so
Typically property taxes are paid a year in a rears. So
depending on how many Lots we agreed to give them at a
time. Um say it's 20, uh property tax would be accruing on
20 Lots. Um, and that would come out of the developers, uh,
closing proceeds and Bs growth for the home buyer. Okay,
and and once these properties are conveyed, um,
are they immediately responsible for landscaping and
keeping the property clean?
Um, yes, okay. So I just want to let everyone be mindful
that you know, sometimes you know, we're looking out for
their best interests that if we convey 500 Lots at 1 time.
You're going to be responsible for tax bill in a year.
And then you're going to be responsible for a huge
Landscaping Bill to maintain these lots. And so a lot of
times you'll be going backwards instead of going forward
when you say give me 500 Lots. So I want to thank everybody
for working with us to see that you know, there was a
method behind our Madness.
That we're trying to help you and not hurt you as we're
moving forward and that um, you know, this is a great
undertaking and I I too want to commend the organization's
uh for working with us to get us to where we are today. So,
I supported wholeheartedly thank you. Thank you Alderman
Bill. Uh, I'm not sure if you want to say some last
comments. Yes.
So, um enthusiastic to hear about your support and your
questions and your concerns, all we've ever wanted in. This
process is a mutual accountability and you guys are
mirroring today the exact partnership. We're looking
forward to having with the city where there's transparency
and honesty, you know, we we've raised, you know, I know it
says 18 but $30 million both private and public to make
this happen a cross these communities and we are doing it
with HUD certified home counselors and and home education
programs and we're doing it with a thought for green energy
and we're doing it with a thought for how we make sure um,
we are including space for jobs for a local residents. And
so just this last piece of making sure that our process
with the city is both, uh, open honest transparent and um
with consideration with the the challenges we've had in the
past is is very much welcome and you know feels like a new
day for the the work that we're doing. I I just briefly
want to add that we are
already working with some of the homeowners that actually
became homeowners last year working with them on the issue
of property taxes because we're very much aware that this
is something that sometimes becomes an obstacle for some of
our existing homeowners. So we we are already working on
this matter. So we I think that what we said is very clear.
This is a partnership and we
Welcome the opportunity to be held accountable, but I think
this is going to be going those both ways, right we want to
be held accountable, but we also want to be hold hold
accountable the city.
Thank you so much. And um
Um, yes, um, we're gonna get a 1 quick 1 comment. Go ahead.
Sorry. I know this is an orthodox Elder woman. I just want
to say that I have 3 new neighbors because of United power
on Sawyer in the 24th Ward and we love them.
We got we got witnesses in the stand. Um, so just just to
close us. I I wanna thank uh, the 3 other persons older men
be all the women, uh Scott as well as Alum and Taylor for
their collaboration on this. I know that you know, you've
been waiting for quite some time. It was intentional the
committee to make sure that we are kind of in the same
page. But again each Community is different and that we
respect also the individuality of each word. We also want
to thank the organizations for the diligent work and to
make sure that we have a spirit of collaboration as well as
a accountability today marks the first year in office, and
I know many of you have been waiting for quite some time
the works there there is work still to be done around
cutting the red tape. I know that remediation water bills
stuff that has been waiting. Uh, and is the commitment of
the city to continue to cut the red tape, especially when
it comes to affordable housing. We have 15,000 empty lots.
See lots throughout the city. So there's a lot of work to be
done. But I think that this work shows that we are being
responsible to make sure that what we're doing is just in
line with what is feasible. And what is in line with what
communities are asking also we were missing the bottom
mentioned also the fact that we still have over 80,000
units that are vacant throughout the city of Chicago where
we have over 69,000 residents that are unhoused many will
continue to come asking for help. This goes in line of the
goals of the city of Chicago so that we have generational
wealth home ownership as well as addressing the issues of
housing as a human right. I'm proud to stand in support of
being attending many of the work and the many of the
meetings of United power and I'm thankful for the
opportunity to have mutual accountability and
collaboration. This is indeed a new day in the city of
Chicago. So without further Ado I would like to ask for uh
any Committee Member to make a motion. So I'll do my best
to make some motion to prove so all in favor say I
All those opposed name in the eyes of the chair that I have
it and they do pass recommendation will be will be
announced in the next city council meeting on May 22nd 2024
and we're proud to end in the high note. Thank you so much.
There be no further business before the committee. Can I
get a motion to recommend approval to adjourn? So move and
all the women and going to happen with all those in favor?
Say I I all those opposing a in the eyes of the chair that
has have it the meeting of um, the committee on housing
real estate is officially a jerk.
I'm visit sometime. I I know I'm supposed to come up. Yeah,