Northside Aldermen Promise More Affordable Housing

Northside Aldermen Promise More Affordable Housing

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A group of aldermen on Chicago’s North and North West sides promise to build more affordable housing in their neighborhoods.

The seven aldermen say they’re concerned about enduring segregation in Chicago, so they are each promising to work with the Chicago Housing Authority to create at least 50 affordable apartments in their wards.

But some expect pushback. Ald. Ameya Pawar, (47th Ward) pointed to the backlash Ald. John Arena (45th Ward) has faced for an affordable housing project in Jefferson Park.

“If Aldermen Arena brings up this project and his office gets hijacked for 6 months for 80 affordable units, how do you bring that forward in other communities?” Pawar said.

In a letter to the head of CHA, the group admits that aldermen on the North Side haven’t historically been advocates for low-income or minority communities.

In a statement, CHA said they’re pleased to see these aldermen have agreed to support CHA housing in their wards, and the agency looks forward to working with aldermen to make their commitment a reality.