Maldonado, 8 Aldermen, Introduce Legislation to Prevent Displacement Along the 606
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(Sept. 20, 2019) Alderman Roberto Maldonado re-introduced legislation to prevent developers from demolishing existing homes and apartment buildings along the 606 in order to replace them with housing that is too costly for current residents of the 26th Ward. He was joined by 8 Aldermen co-sponsoring: Ald. Felix Cardona Jr. (31st), Ald. Daniel La Spata (1st), Ald. Raymond Lopez (15th), Ald. Matt Martin (47th), Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35th), Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33rd), Ald. Roderick Sawyer (6th), and Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25th).
The “Pilot Act for the Preservation of Affordable Housing in the 606 Residential Area” imposes demolition fees and “de-conversion” fees between $65,00 to $300,00 on these developers along the western end of the trail. However, developers can avoid those fees by making half of their residential units affordable, or below market rate. Maldonado reported, "The neighborhoods along the 606, especially west of Western Avenue, are experiencing an unprecedented rate of demolition. In many cases, two- to four-unit rental buildings are being demolished to make way for large single-family homes. When the ordinance passes, it would help retain more of the neighborhood's multi-unit (two-, three- and four-flat) buildings, which tend to be an important part of the rental housing supply, especially for low-income residents." Maldonado first introduced the legislation in 2017. With a new mayor in office, he reintroduced the ordinance now to “make sure this ordinance is on top.” |
Rebuilding the Ward, Preventing Crime, Developing Bustling Retail
Since 2009, Ald. Maldonado has accelerated the rebuilding of the 26th Ward, which started when residents united to counteract the lack of city services in the Ward. He has sunk over $10 Million into the Ward, building safe streets, bringing schools near-by and good businesses that serve residents' needs.
Tackling Crime Head On
Ald. Maldonado has pressed to fill police shortages, pushed for "hot spot" monitoring to be standard, and pressed to ban all guns. He has shut down shady businesses that cheat customers, keep their stores unsanitary, and allow gang members to loiter.
For 9 years, Maldonado has held a monthly joint meeting with the District Commanders to prevent crime and catch criminals. For the last 2 years, he has pressed CPD to fill police shortages in 12th & 14th Districts.
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In 2016, "Hot Spot" policing drove out gang members,
forced a landlord to make repairs, and stopped loitering nearby.
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Maldonado installed cameras throughout the Ward because they prevent crime. A 2011 study in the Humboldt Park area reported that cameras were responsible for a 12% drop in crime.
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Building Affordability into the 26th Ward
Ald. Maldonado has been keeping the 26th Ward affordable for our neighbors and the next generation. In the last 2 years, his support has resulted in nearly 200 new or rehabbed apartments added to the housing stock in the 26th Ward. He even added 6 single family homes for $247,000 each. Long-time residents, who rebuilt the Ward, have earned their right to enjoy the fruits of their labor.
On Division St. soon - 15 live/work apartments for artists and their families above a theater, concert hall and piano bar.
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45 family-size apartments are slated for Oct. 2018 in 12 locations across the ward. Each has low utilities.
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49 single and family units opened in 2018 for incomes between $17,800-$50,500.
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Are you looking for city services...or want to meet the Alderman on Ward Nite?
When you need a new garbage can, disabled parking, graffiti removed or a block party permit, call our office at 773-395-0143. More here...
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