In the 1970s, protestors in Wrigleyville and Belmont Harbor gathered to demand affordable housing for Chicago’s ignored and underserved Native community. Though the protest ended with a promise at both the federal and local levels for affordable housing, that promise was never fully kept.
We have a chance to help change that now.
Join us to fight for affordable housing!
Join a Canvass!
We will be talking to residents and neighbors about the importance and benefit of this development to the neighborhood. Canvass dates are listed in our Calendar.
Attend the Community Meeting
The virtual public meeting is on August 3rd at 6PM. Register to attend!
Speak out in support!
Submit feedback supporting the zoning change to Alderwoman Rodriguez's office.
You can also submit a question to the Alderwoman's office.
Background
Affordable housing developer Full Circle Communities and Visionary Ventures propose to build 45 units of affordable housing at 2907-2917 W Irving Park Road. This development was awarded Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) by the City of Chicago’s Department of Housing. The city’s Department of Housing awards LIHTC specifically to affordable housing proposals that truly are the best of the best – proposals that respond to communities where affordable housing is limited, communities where there are substantial inequalities between homeowners and renters, and factors that drive displacements like deconversions and demolitions are happening more frequently.
Recommending or not recommending a zoning change is a decision with decades-long ramifications. It’s not simply a question about what a major street along Albany Park or Irving Park or Avondale might look like in 2023 or 2025, but who can and will be able to afford to live here a decade or two from now, and where the people who can afford to live here send their children to school or play. That’s why Alderwoman Rodriguez-Sanchez asks for input and feedback from community organizations and the ward-at-large.
33rd Ward Working Families supports this development because:
It brings housing and business to a community that has lost density
Irving Park has lost over 350 housing units since 2013 due to demolition and single-family conversions. A development of this size will bring residents and employees who will frequent local businesses and become members of our community.
It will benefit Cleveland Elementary
Residents at this development will boost enrollment at Cleveland Elementary. The Local School Council and leaders at Cleveland Elementary have voiced their support for its potential to make the Cleveland community stronger and more vibrant.
It is affirmatively marketed to our Native American community but available to all
Co-developed by Native-led non-profit Visionary Ventures, this development is conveniently located near Native spaces like the American Indian Center, American Indian Health Service of Chicago, First Nations Garden, and the Horner Park Coil Mound. Amenities include a space for Native cultural practices.
It is 100% affordable housing
Nearly 40% of our neighbors are rent burdened, spending over 30% of their income on rent. This development will bring 45 units, with sizes range from Studio to 3-bedroom, providing affordable housing for individuals and families of all sizes. The development also features on-site management, maintenance, and supportive services thru co-developer Full Circle Communities.
Be a part of making history!
You can make this a reality. We will be talking to residents and neighbors about the importance and benefit of this development to the neighborhood.
Canvass dates are listed in our Calendar.
