Concerns About Affordable Housing on Chicago’s South Side
CHICAGO – Community activists have been working for over a decade to protect affordable housing on Chicago’s South Side.
Now, a proposed ordinance aimed at safeguarding residents in neighborhoods surrounding the Obama Presidential Center is headed to the full city council for a vote.
Understanding the Issue
The Obama Presidential Center, currently under construction, is expected to be a major cultural and community hub. While the development brings promise, it also raises concerns about rising property values and housing costs in an area where roughly 75% of residents are renters — many of whom are already facing financial hardship.
The Obama Presidential Center is expected to open next year. (Fox News Digital)
The Proposed Ordinance
The proposed ordinance includes provisions to reserve vacant lots for affordable housing and requires landlords to give tenants more advance notice before eviction. It would also provide $5,000 grants to help long-time residents cover property taxes and avoid displacement.
The Obama Community Benefits Agreement Coalition supports the measure.
Community Reaction
Linda Jennings, who has lived in the South Shore neighborhood for 67 years, is particularly concerned about its impact on seniors.
“South Shore has the highest eviction rate amongst the elderly of any section in the city,” she said. “We’re being impacted because we need repairs.”
Kiara Hardin, a former South Shore resident, said she was priced out of the neighborhood — even with $150,000 to invest in a home.
“We need things for renters,” she said. “I’ve been a renter most of my life. We need affordability, we need development on those vacant lots.”
What’s Next
South Side residents say housing prices have already begun to rise — and the Obama Center won’t even be completed for another year.
It took two years for the ordinance to make it out of committee and reach the full council.
The Source: FOX 32’s Joanie Lum reported on this story.
Conclusion
The proposed ordinance aimed at protecting affordable housing on Chicago’s South Side is a crucial step towards addressing the concerns of long-time residents. The ordinance’s provisions, including reserving vacant lots for affordable housing and providing grants to help residents cover property taxes, are essential in ensuring that the community is not displaced by rising housing costs. As the city council prepares to vote on the ordinance, it is essential to consider the impact of the Obama Presidential Center on the surrounding neighborhoods and the residents who call them home.
FAQs
Q: What is the Obama Presidential Center, and how will it affect the surrounding neighborhoods?
A: The Obama Presidential Center is a cultural and community hub currently under construction on Chicago’s South Side. While it is expected to bring economic benefits to the area, it also raises concerns about rising property values and housing costs, which could displace long-time residents.
Q: What are the key provisions of the proposed ordinance?
A: The proposed ordinance includes provisions to reserve vacant lots for affordable housing, require landlords to give tenants more advance notice before eviction, and provide $5,000 grants to help long-time residents cover property taxes and avoid displacement.
Q: Who supports the proposed ordinance?
A: The Obama Community Benefits Agreement Coalition supports the measure.
Q: How long will it take for the ordinance to be implemented if it is passed by the city council?
A: The implementation timeline will depend on various factors, including the city council’s approval process and the availability of funds. However, it is essential to note that the ordinance has already taken two years to reach the full council, and its implementation will likely take several more months or even years.
Q: What can residents do to get involved in the discussion about affordable housing on Chicago’s South Side?
A: Residents can attend community meetings, contact their local representatives, and join organizations advocating for affordable housing to make their voices heard and contribute to the discussion.
