# Committee on Housing and Real Estate meeting, May 15, 2024

- When: Wed, May 15, 2024, 1:00 PM (Chicago time)
- Where: City Council Chamber, 2nd Floor, City Hall, 121 North LaSalle Street - Chicago, IL 60602
- Status: Scheduled & Published
- Committee: [Committee on Housing and Real Estate](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/committee/housing-and-real-estate)
- Video: https://vimeo.com/944172842
- Transcript: [full text](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/files/transcripts/944172842.txt) (23,901 words, official captions)

## Meeting notes

> AI-written from the transcript. Speakers are inferred from cues in the recording, so treat names as estimates and check the video at the linked time.

The Committee on Housing and Real Estate heard public comment, approved its Rule 45 report, and considered twelve agenda items on leases, land sales, housing programs and a Chicago Housing Authority agreement. Members recommended passage of a Chicago Park District lease, a Northwestern Memorial Healthcare contractor-parking lease, several city land sales (including open space sales in the 28th Ward and ChiBlockBuilder side-yard sales in the 15th Ward), an amendment to the Department of Housing's emergency rental assistance software agreement, a clarification of the Affordable Requirements Ordinance, and a loan subordination for Lincoln Village Senior Apartments. The intergovernmental agreement for CHA tenant grievance hearings drew extended questioning about low grievance numbers and accountability of private property managers, and it was held for a future meeting. The final item, a substitute ordinance selling roughly 488 city-owned lots in the 20th and 24th Wards to United Power for Action and Justice member organizations under the City Lots for Working Families program, was discussed at length, with members asking about construction capacity, timelines, lot maintenance and the redevelopment agreement, and it was recommended for passage.

Topics: CHA grievance process, City Lots for Working Families, City land sales, Affordable Requirements Ordinance, Property management accountability, Affordable homeownership, City leases, Emergency rental assistance, Public comment

### Agenda items discussed

- [36:05](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/673595F4-8408-EF11-9F89-001DD806E944?t=2165) Rule 45 report from May 8, 2024: passed
- [36:31](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/673595F4-8408-EF11-9F89-001DD806E944?t=2191) Amended lease with Chicago Park District for city-owned space at 5801 N. Pulaski Road (39th Ward): passed
- [39:00](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/673595F4-8408-EF11-9F89-001DD806E944?t=2340) Lease agreement with Northwestern Memorial Healthcare for contractor parking at 4727-4759 S. Cottage Grove Avenue (4th Ward): passed
- [42:37](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/673595F4-8408-EF11-9F89-001DD806E944?t=2557) Fifth intergovernmental agreement with the Chicago Housing Authority for administrative hearings on tenant grievances (O2024-0007327): held
- [1:14:17](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/673595F4-8408-EF11-9F89-001DD806E944?t=4457) Negotiated sale of city-owned property at 1314-1316 S. Pulaski Road to Work of His Hands Ministries for a parking lot (24th Ward) (O2024-0008965): passed
- [1:19:23](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/673595F4-8408-EF11-9F89-001DD806E944?t=4763) Negotiated sale of city-owned property at 8340 S. Halsted to adjacent owner for Ivory Dental parking (17th Ward) (O2024-0008914): passed
- [1:24:50](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/673595F4-8408-EF11-9F89-001DD806E944?t=5090) Sale of city-owned open space properties at 4441 W. Adams, 352 S. Kostner and 4236 W. Monroe (28th Ward) (O2024-0008973): passed
- [1:32:25](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/673595F4-8408-EF11-9F89-001DD806E944?t=5545) Negotiated sale of city-owned property at 642 N. Lockwood Avenue to Myrtle Malone (37th Ward) (O2024-0008955): passed
- [1:34:04](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/673595F4-8408-EF11-9F89-001DD806E944?t=5644) Sale of city-owned side yard properties in the 15th Ward under the ChiBlockBuilder platform (O2024-0008972): passed
- [1:37:01](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/673595F4-8408-EF11-9F89-001DD806E944?t=5821) Amendment to ERAP subscription software license agreement with Unqork for Department of Housing (O2024-0008906): passed
- [1:41:54](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/673595F4-8408-EF11-9F89-001DD806E944?t=6114) Amendment of Municipal Code Section 2-44-085 to clarify the Affordable Requirements Ordinance (O2024-0008891): passed
- [1:45:20](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/673595F4-8408-EF11-9F89-001DD806E944?t=6320) Loan subordination for Lincoln Village Senior Apartments (50th Ward): passed
- [1:52:30](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/673595F4-8408-EF11-9F89-001DD806E944?t=6750) Substitute ordinance: sale of city-owned lots to United Power for Action and Justice members under the City Lots for Working Families program (20th and 24th Wards): passed

### Alderpersons who spoke

- [Byron Sigcho-López](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/25) (chair): Said he heard members' concerns about the lack of accountability from CHA management companies and that contracts should not be renewed or expanded for companies not doing their job. ([1:08:19](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/673595F4-8408-EF11-9F89-001DD806E944?t=4099)); Asked CHA directly what assurances the committee would have that management companies would be held accountable, including termination of contracts, if the item moved forward. ([1:10:54](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/673595F4-8408-EF11-9F89-001DD806E944?t=4254)); Explained that the substitute ordinance removed the 9th Ward lots so the item covered only the 20th and 24th Wards. ([2:01:38](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/673595F4-8408-EF11-9F89-001DD806E944?t=7298))
- [Lamont J. Robinson](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/4) (alderperson): Introduced and described a 12-month lease of a vacant city lot on S. Cottage Grove for contractor parking during construction of a Northwestern Medicine outpatient center. ([40:22](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/673595F4-8408-EF11-9F89-001DD806E944?t=2422))
- [Anthony Beale](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/9) (alderperson): Raised a point of order asking whether the committee had voted to allow remote participation. ([41:45](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/673595F4-8408-EF11-9F89-001DD806E944?t=2505)); Pressed the developers for a specific number of homes their contractors could build per week, month or year. ([2:07:40](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/673595F4-8408-EF11-9F89-001DD806E944?t=7660)); Asked how the Department of Housing determines the size of homebuyer subsidies, and was told it is based on buyer income. ([2:09:50](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/673595F4-8408-EF11-9F89-001DD806E944?t=7790))
- [Daniel La Spata](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/1) (alderperson): Asked whether the chart showed the total number of CHA tenant grievances heard at the formal level over ten years and how many informal grievances occur. ([44:37](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/673595F4-8408-EF11-9F89-001DD806E944?t=2677)); Sought clarity on whether 60 lots were removed from the ordinance or passed separately, and questioned the policy of excluding historic boulevard lots from the program. ([2:14:43](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/673595F4-8408-EF11-9F89-001DD806E944?t=8083)); Said the United Power organizations have a proven track record of building affordable homes and thanked residents who testified. ([2:15:50](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/673595F4-8408-EF11-9F89-001DD806E944?t=8150))
- [Jeanette B. Taylor](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/20) (alderperson): Said she receives many complaints about CHA and questioned how the chart showed so few grievances, asking CHA to explain the process. ([47:26](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/673595F4-8408-EF11-9F89-001DD806E944?t=2846)); Requested a fact sheet on the steps tenants should take and said private property managers were a reason the grievance numbers were low. ([48:39](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/673595F4-8408-EF11-9F89-001DD806E944?t=2919)); Asked how CHA ensures private property management companies do what CHA requires, noting frequent manager turnover in her buildings. ([50:07](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/673595F4-8408-EF11-9F89-001DD806E944?t=3007))
- [Marty Quinn](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/13) (alderperson): Asked what enforcement or contract cancellation options CHA has for unresponsive management companies, and recommended cutting off contracts when companies do not comply. ([53:01](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/673595F4-8408-EF11-9F89-001DD806E944?t=3181)); Asked whether the lot construction would create jobs for community members, and asked to hear from the local alderpersons about the impact. ([2:17:06](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/673595F4-8408-EF11-9F89-001DD806E944?t=8226)); Recognized the Southwest Organizing Project's housing work and said he would support the ordinance. ([2:26:29](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/673595F4-8408-EF11-9F89-001DD806E944?t=8789))
- [Jessica L. Fuentes](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/26) (alderperson): Asked whether CHA tenants are educated about the grievance process before an incident and whether bilingual help is available. ([55:06](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/673595F4-8408-EF11-9F89-001DD806E944?t=3306)); Said tenants regularly bring unresolved grievances to her office, some fear retaliation from management companies, and the low numbers do not reflect tenant satisfaction. ([57:09](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/673595F4-8408-EF11-9F89-001DD806E944?t=3429)); Asked whether the extension locks current private contractors into the process and said she could not support renewing it as is. ([59:08](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/673595F4-8408-EF11-9F89-001DD806E944?t=3548))
- [Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/48) (alderperson): Said she shared the concerns raised, asked for fact sheets for constituents, and asked what it takes to cut off a property manager's contract and how many have been discontinued in ten years. ([1:00:23](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/673595F4-8408-EF11-9F89-001DD806E944?t=3623)); Said she and her staff had not known the grievance process existed and asked for more partnership from CHA. ([1:04:16](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/673595F4-8408-EF11-9F89-001DD806E944?t=3856))
- [David H. Moore](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/17) (alderperson): Cautioned against lumping all CHA property managers together and asked that data be presented by property manager. ([1:09:23](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/673595F4-8408-EF11-9F89-001DD806E944?t=4163)); Thanked the Department of Planning and Development and described the dental office's renovation and the need for off-street parking on the corridor, asking for a favorable vote. ([1:23:42](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/673595F4-8408-EF11-9F89-001DD806E944?t=5022))
- [Gregory I. Mitchell](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/7) (alderperson): Requested that CHA and the Department of Administrative Hearings provide first- and second-level grievance data for all public housing in all 50 wards over 20 years. ([1:10:21](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/673595F4-8408-EF11-9F89-001DD806E944?t=4221)); Asked about environmental remediation for the open space lots and was told they were cleared by the Department of Fleet and Facility Management. ([1:31:38](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/673595F4-8408-EF11-9F89-001DD806E944?t=5498))
- [Emma Mitts](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/37) (alderperson): Said she would continue her motion to hold the CHA grievance agreement. ([1:13:25](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/673595F4-8408-EF11-9F89-001DD806E944?t=4405)); Asked why the Hope Center Foundation lots were listed and why the Sunshine Gospel Ministries lot count differed from the ordinance, and was told the substitute changed both. ([2:01:17](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/673595F4-8408-EF11-9F89-001DD806E944?t=7277))
- [Maria E. Hadden](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/49) (alderperson): Asked the Department of Housing about paying out-of-contract costs for the Unqork platform, whether the amendment allows future extensions, and how the department will avoid such gaps, and asked to be kept informed of other uses. ([1:39:03](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/673595F4-8408-EF11-9F89-001DD806E944?t=5943)); Confirmed that the ARO amendment cleans up language so developers must choose one of the compliance options. ([1:43:27](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/673595F4-8408-EF11-9F89-001DD806E944?t=6207)); Asked whether the Lincoln Village subordination changes the maturity of the city loan or involves fees. ([1:49:02](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/673595F4-8408-EF11-9F89-001DD806E944?t=6542))
- [Monique L. Scott](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/24) (alderperson): Spoke in support of the parking lot sale on S. Pulaski, citing limited parking and the applicant's community work. ([1:18:10](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/673595F4-8408-EF11-9F89-001DD806E944?t=4690)); Said she supports the ordinance but asked whether developers can realistically meet the commitment of 125 homes and asked that the timeline be stated in the redevelopment agreement. ([2:20:06](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/673595F4-8408-EF11-9F89-001DD806E944?t=8406))
- [Walter R. Burnett](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/27) (alderperson): Congratulated colleagues and the organizations and said he would prefer this model to the ChiBlockBuilder process for lots in his ward. ([2:27:20](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/673595F4-8408-EF11-9F89-001DD806E944?t=8840)); Asked about reports that a modular builder partner had closed, and was told it changed ownership and continues operating. ([2:28:48](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/673595F4-8408-EF11-9F89-001DD806E944?t=8928)); Asked why these lots could move forward when environmental issues have slowed lot sales in his ward, and said the effort is good for the city's tax base. ([2:32:57](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/673595F4-8408-EF11-9F89-001DD806E944?t=9177))

### Exchanges between members

- [41:45](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/673595F4-8408-EF11-9F89-001DD806E944?t=2505) Beale asked the chair whether the committee had voted to allow remote participation.
- [57:13](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/673595F4-8408-EF11-9F89-001DD806E944?t=3433) Fuentes said that, like Taylor, she had serious concerns about the grievance numbers and process.
- [57:13](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/673595F4-8408-EF11-9F89-001DD806E944?t=3433) Fuentes said that, like La Spata, she had serious concerns about the grievance numbers and process.
- [1:00:23](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/673595F4-8408-EF11-9F89-001DD806E944?t=3623) Manaa-Hoppenworth said she shared the concerns Fuentes laid out.
- [1:00:28](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/673595F4-8408-EF11-9F89-001DD806E944?t=3628) Manaa-Hoppenworth thanked La Spata for initiating the conversation.
- [1:08:42](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/673595F4-8408-EF11-9F89-001DD806E944?t=4122) The chair said he took Taylor's points on management company accountability.
- [1:08:42](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/673595F4-8408-EF11-9F89-001DD806E944?t=4122) The chair said he took Quinn's points on cutting off management company contracts.
- [1:13:15](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/673595F4-8408-EF11-9F89-001DD806E944?t=4395) The chair asked Mitts whether CHA's answers satisfied her request or whether she wanted to continue her motion to hold.
- [2:15:24](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/673595F4-8408-EF11-9F89-001DD806E944?t=8124) La Spata said he shared Hadden's concern about excluding historic boulevard lots.
- [2:19:54](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/673595F4-8408-EF11-9F89-001DD806E944?t=8394) Quinn asked to hear from Scott about how the lot sale would affect her ward.
- [2:19:54](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/673595F4-8408-EF11-9F89-001DD806E944?t=8394) Quinn asked to hear from Taylor about how the lot sale would affect her ward.
- [2:25:10](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/673595F4-8408-EF11-9F89-001DD806E944?t=8710) Taylor thanked Beale for suggesting a provision be put in the ordinance.
- [2:25:23](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/673595F4-8408-EF11-9F89-001DD806E944?t=8723) Taylor credited Scott for raising that previously conveyed lots had not been built on.
- [2:42:15](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/673595F4-8408-EF11-9F89-001DD806E944?t=9735) The chair thanked Beale for his collaboration on the lot sale.
- [2:42:15](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/673595F4-8408-EF11-9F89-001DD806E944?t=9735) The chair thanked Scott for her collaboration on the lot sale.
- [2:42:15](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/673595F4-8408-EF11-9F89-001DD806E944?t=9735) The chair thanked Taylor for her collaboration on the lot sale.

## Documents

- [Notice](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/files/clerk/meetingattachmentspublic/299fab71-659c-43f9-b552-3f347af51bec.pdf)
- [Agenda](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/files/clerk/meetingattachmentspublic/c97bff3b-5f37-428d-a459-ac40328aec73.pdf)
- [Summary](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/files/clerk/meetingattachmentspublic/0c2ea536-008c-4269-ab22-57d0e44bf1c0.pdf)

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Source: https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/673595F4-8408-EF11-9F89-001DD806E944 · Chicago Politics, an independent, nonpartisan tracker of the Chicago City Council. Guide for agents: https://www.chicagopolitics.org/llms.txt