[remote or in-person] Committee on Housing and Real Estate

Chicago City Council
Housing
Politics

Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025
12:00 p.m. — 2:00 p.m. CST

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121 N LaSalle St Chicago, IL 60602 (Directions)

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Reporting

Edited and summarized by the Chicago - IL Documenters Team

Note-taking by Eric Sutton

Chicago Public Library will acquire 1751 North Harlem Avenue for the Galewood-Mont Clare Branch which was relocated to Rutherford Sayre Park Fieldhouse in 2010 and then permanently closed in 2020. Since then the city searched for a location to house a new fully functional branch.

Live reporting by Charlene Rhinehart

Chicago Public Library will acquire 1751 North Harlem Avenue for the Galewood-Mont Clare Branch which was relocated to Rutherford Sayre Park Fieldhouse in 2010 and then permanently closed in 2020. Since then the city searched for a location to house a new fully functional branch.

ChicagoSouthsider @ChiSouthsider 2/67
@CHIdocumenters These meetings can always be attended in person at City Hall (121 N LaSalle St) or streamed online at chicityclerk.com
chicityclerk.com
ChicagoSouthsider @ChiSouthsider 3/67
@CHIdocumenters The published agenda can be found here: …storagev1.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/meetingattachm…
…storagev1.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/meetingattachm…
ChicagoSouthsider @ChiSouthsider 4/67
Meeting called to order at 12:09.
ChicagoSouthsider @ChiSouthsider 5/67
8 items on the agenda for today. Start with roll call by Chairperson to establish quorum .
ChicagoSouthsider @ChiSouthsider 6/67
11 members present. Quorum is met.
ChicagoSouthsider @ChiSouthsider 7/67
Alderwoman Taylor has been added to roll call virtually.
ChicagoSouthsider @ChiSouthsider 8/67
First speaker: Ms. Jessica Jackson
ChicagoSouthsider @ChiSouthsider 9/67
Ms. Jessica Jackson expressed her outrage at the City for allowing property to be taken through civil processes, Wearing shirts labeled "Disgraced 50," she criticized the focus on housing immigrants over addressing housing needs for citizens.
ChicagoSouthsider @ChiSouthsider 10/67
Next speaker Ms. Danielle Carter, also wearing a "Disgraced 50" shirt, criticized the lack of advocacy for Black neighborhoods during the vote to keep synthetic drugs out of the community. She pointed out that no Black Alders stood up to oppose this.
ChicagoSouthsider @ChiSouthsider 11/67
Third speaker: Matt Glover, stating that we (Black and AA) are the indigenous Americans and we need to be classified as that so we can get the benefits you give to immigrants.
ChicagoSouthsider @ChiSouthsider 12/67
Third speaker: Matt Glover stated that "all of our children need to put indigenous on their birth certificates." He noted if we were classified as indigenous, we wouldn't have to pay property taxes or no taxes. If anyone will help us get classified correctly, it is Pres. Trump.
ChicagoSouthsider @ChiSouthsider 13/67
Ald. Dowell joined remotely.
ChicagoSouthsider @ChiSouthsider 14/67
Fourth speaker: Zoe Leigh spoke about her property being taken through illegal use of eminent domain. She expressed frustration with the 20 Black alder, criticizing them for not compelling the City to settle her case.
ChicagoSouthsider @ChiSouthsider 15/67
Ms. Moore highlighted how Black people have been "bamboozled" politically, starting with Kennedy and Nixon. She expressed frustration that politicians only value their votes during elections, stating, "Every time we vote, that's the only time we become important."
ChicagoSouthsider @ChiSouthsider 16/67
Ms. Moore emphasized the ongoing fight for justice, education, affordable housing, and dignity within the Black community.
ChicagoSouthsider @ChiSouthsider 17/67
12:29 started regular business.
ChicagoSouthsider @ChiSouthsider 18/67
Approval of December Rule 45 Report.
ChicagoSouthsider @ChiSouthsider 19/67
Meredith from the Dept. of Fleet and Water Management discusses proposed acquisition of property at 1751 N Harlem.
ChicagoSouthsider @ChiSouthsider 20/67
Alder Taylor inquired about the purpose of purchasing the property at 1751 N Harlem. Meredith noted the intent is to use it for building a new library to replace one that was closed in 2010.
ChicagoSouthsider @ChiSouthsider 21/67
Alder Taylor requested that the feasibility study for this project be shared with the committee.
ChicagoSouthsider @ChiSouthsider 22/67
Library was closed in 2010 due to budget cuts, according to Meredith (DFWM).
ChicagoSouthsider @ChiSouthsider 23/67
Lubica Benak, Chicago Department of Transporation, discusses acquisition of various properties for Englewood Nature Trail Project.
ChicagoSouthsider @ChiSouthsider 24/67
Lubica Benak, CDOT, discusses project purpose and needed. Use the trail as a physical connector and a connector of opportunity.
ChicagoSouthsider @ChiSouthsider 25/67
Discusses property acquisitions needed for the project "Englewood Nature Trail Project." Many of the vacant properties owned by the CCLBA.
ChicagoSouthsider @ChiSouthsider 26/67
Lubica Benak, CDOT, says they have been working with Grow Greater Englewood and others to start this.
ChicagoSouthsider @ChiSouthsider 27/67
James Michael, Department of Planning development, talks about acceptance of bid from city owned vacant lot on 9424 S. Burnside Ave. under Adjacent Neighbors Land Acquisition Program.
ChicagoSouthsider @ChiSouthsider 28/67
Matt gustavson, DPD, explains land sales for community open space designation for two vacant owned city parcels through ChiBlockBuilder platform, properties are sold at 10% of market value.
ChicagoSouthsider @ChiSouthsider 29/67
Alder Robinson joined the meeting virtually.
ChicagoSouthsider @ChiSouthsider 30/67
#7. Sale of vacant City-owned parcels at 6528-6534 S Aberdeen St under ChiBlock Builder platform for open space outdoor plaza to Lillie Walls and Unblocked Englewood Team. Budget $21K
ChicagoSouthsider @ChiSouthsider 31/67
#8. Gustavson, DPD, testified on behalf of this ordinance: Sale of City-owned property under ChiBlockBuilder platform at 2810- 2824 E 87th St to 2804 E 87th St LLC d.b.a. The Record Track for creation of outdoor space on seven vacant parcels for garden and performance area.
ChicagoSouthsider @ChiSouthsider 32/67
#8. Gustavson, DPD, testified on behalf of this ordinance: $183 coming from a Chicago Recovery Grant.
ChicagoSouthsider @ChiSouthsider 33/67
Cliff Muhammad, from Record Track, shared that he unexpectedly inherited a record shop from his uncle and said residents wanted to avoid another vacant space. The shop aims to provide a hands-on music experience, fostering connections among residents in a physical space.
ChicagoSouthsider @ChiSouthsider 34/67
#8. Approved by City Council.
ChicagoSouthsider @ChiSouthsider 35/67
Motion to adjourn at 1:02pm.
ChicagoSouthsider @ChiSouthsider 36/67
8 items on the agenda for today. Start with roll call by Chairperson to establish quorum .
ChicagoSouthsider @ChiSouthsider 37/67
@CHIdocumenters 11 members present. Quorum is met.
ChicagoSouthsider @ChiSouthsider 38/67
@CHIdocumenters Alderwoman Taylor has been added to roll call virtually.
ChicagoSouthsider @ChiSouthsider 39/67
@CHIdocumenters First speaker: Ms. Jessica Jackson
ChicagoSouthsider @ChiSouthsider 40/67
@CHIdocumenters Ms. Jessica Jackson expressed her outrage at the City for allowing property to be taken through civil processes, Wearing shirts labeled "Disgraced 50," she criticized the focus on housing immigrants over addressing housing needs for citizens.
ChicagoSouthsider @ChiSouthsider 41/67
@CHIdocumenters Next speaker Ms. Danielle Carter, also wearing a "Disgraced 50" shirt, criticized the lack of advocacy for Black neighborhoods during the vote to keep synthetic drugs out of the community. She pointed out that no Black Alders stood up to oppose this.
ChicagoSouthsider @ChiSouthsider 42/67
@CHIdocumenters Third speaker: Matt Glover, stating that we (Black and AA) are the indigenous Americans and we need to be classified as that so we can get the benefits you give to immigrants.
ChicagoSouthsider @ChiSouthsider 43/67
@CHIdocumenters Third speaker: Matt Glover stated that "all of our children need to put indigenous on their birth certificates." He noted if we were classified as indigenous, we wouldn't have to pay property taxes or no taxes. If anyone will help us get classified correctly, it is Pres. Trump.
ChicagoSouthsider @ChiSouthsider 44/67
@CHIdocumenters Ald. Dowell joined remotely.
ChicagoSouthsider @ChiSouthsider 45/67
@CHIdocumenters Fourth speaker: Zoe Leigh spoke about her property being taken through illegal use of eminent domain. She expressed frustration with the 20 Black alder, criticizing them for not compelling the City to settle her case.
ChicagoSouthsider @ChiSouthsider 46/67
@CHIdocumenters Ms. Moore highlighted how Black people have been "bamboozled" politically, starting with Kennedy and Nixon. She expressed frustration that politicians only value their votes during elections, stating, "Every time we vote, that's the only time we become important."
ChicagoSouthsider @ChiSouthsider 47/67
@CHIdocumenters Ms. Moore emphasized the ongoing fight for justice, education, affordable housing, and dignity within the Black community.
ChicagoSouthsider @ChiSouthsider 48/67
@CHIdocumenters Approval of December Rule 45 Report.
ChicagoSouthsider @ChiSouthsider 49/67
@CHIdocumenters Meredith from the Dept. of Fleet and Water Management discusses proposed acquisition of property at 1751 N Harlem.
ChicagoSouthsider @ChiSouthsider 50/67
@CHIdocumenters Alder Taylor inquired about the purpose of purchasing the property at 1751 N Harlem. Meredith noted the intent is to use it for building a new library to replace one that was closed in 2010.
ChicagoSouthsider @ChiSouthsider 51/67
@CHIdocumenters Alder Taylor requested that the feasibility study for this project be shared with the committee.
ChicagoSouthsider @ChiSouthsider 52/67
@CHIdocumenters Library was closed in 2010 due to budget cuts, according to Meredith (DFWM).
ChicagoSouthsider @ChiSouthsider 53/67
@CHIdocumenters Lubica Benak, Chicago Department of Transporation, discusses acquisition of various properties for Englewood Nature Trail Project.
ChicagoSouthsider @ChiSouthsider 54/67
@CHIdocumenters Lubica Benak, CDOT, discusses project purpose and needed. Use the trail as a physical connector and a connector of opportunity.
ChicagoSouthsider @ChiSouthsider 55/67
@CHIdocumenters Discusses property acquisitions needed for the project "Englewood Nature Trail Project." Many of the vacant properties owned by the CCLBA.
ChicagoSouthsider @ChiSouthsider 56/67
@CHIdocumenters Lubica Benak, CDOT, says they have been working with Grow Greater Englewood and others to start this.
ChicagoSouthsider @ChiSouthsider 57/67
@CHIdocumenters James Michael, Department of Planning development, talks about acceptance of bid from city owned vacant lot on 9424 S. Burnside Ave. under Adjacent Neighbors Land Acquisition Program.
ChicagoSouthsider @ChiSouthsider 58/67
@CHIdocumenters Matt gustavson, DPD, explains land sales for community open space designation for two vacant owned city parcels through ChiBlockBuilder platform, properties are sold at 10% of market value.
ChicagoSouthsider @ChiSouthsider 59/67
@CHIdocumenters Alder Robinson joined the meeting virtually.
ChicagoSouthsider @ChiSouthsider 60/67
@CHIdocumenters #7. Sale of vacant City-owned parcels at 6528-6534 S Aberdeen St under ChiBlock Builder platform for open space outdoor plaza to Lillie Walls and Unblocked Englewood Team. Budget $21K
ChicagoSouthsider @ChiSouthsider 61/67
@CHIdocumenters #8. Gustavson, DPD, testified on behalf of this ordinance: Sale of City-owned property under ChiBlockBuilder platform at 2810- 2824 E 87th St to 2804 E 87th St LLC d.b.a. The Record Track for creation of outdoor space on seven vacant parcels for garden and performance area.
ChicagoSouthsider @ChiSouthsider 62/67
@CHIdocumenters #8. Gustavson, DPD, testified on behalf of this ordinance: $183 coming from a Chicago Recovery Grant.
ChicagoSouthsider @ChiSouthsider 63/67
@CHIdocumenters Cliff Muhammad, from Record Track, shared that he unexpectedly inherited a record shop from his uncle and said residents wanted to avoid another vacant space. The shop aims to provide a hands-on music experience, fostering connections among residents in a physical space.
ChicagoSouthsider @ChiSouthsider 64/67
@CHIdocumenters #8. Approved by City Council.
ChicagoSouthsider @ChiSouthsider 65/67
@CHIdocumenters Motion to adjourn at 1:02pm.
ChicagoSouthsider @ChiSouthsider 66/67
Meeting adjourned at 1:02 p.m on January 7th, 2025. This concludes the Chicago City Council Committee on Housing and Real Estate meeting. The next City Council meeting is scheduled for January 15, 2025. For more meeting coverage, check out . documenters.org
documenters.org
ChicagoSouthsider @ChiSouthsider 67/67
@CHIdocumenters Correction: #8. Gustavson, DPD, testified on behalf of this ordinance: $183K coming from a Chicago Recovery Grant.

Agency Information

Chicago City Council

The Chicago City Council is the legislative branch of the government of the City of Chicago and consists of the Mayor and Aldermen elected from each of the City’s fifty wards. Source

If you attend a meeting in person, be prepared to go through a security checkpoint and show photo ID.

Meetings are also livestreamed at https://www.chicityclerk.com/.

At this link, scroll down to “Meeting Notices.” Look for “Watch now” and click on the link with the meeting title to go to a livestream page. If you don’t see a link for the meeting, you may be early or the meeting may be starting late. Wait a few moments and try refreshing your Internet tab.

Recordings of past City Council meetings may be found here: https://vimeo.com/user100351763/videos/sort:date.

See also: “What to Expect at a Meeting of Chicago’s City Council” via the Better Government Association.

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