We are calling on Mayor Lightfoot, Commissioner Novara of the Department of Housing and Commissioner Cox of the Department of Planning & Development along with our local elected officials to work together to make sure this affordable housing project becomes a reality.

Petition in support of the mixed-use affordable housing development at 4715 N Western Avenue, Chicago, IL 60625.

Over the last two years, in the face of vocal opposition from a few, this community has come together under the leadership of neighborhood groups, community leaders and Alderman Matt Martin to reach consensus on the proposal for 51 affordable apartments with resident and public parking to be built at 4715 N Western, on the current site of a public parking lot. Plans for the project were prepared by the developer and vetted with the community along. The Department of Housing also made a preliminary commitment to funding the project. While substantial progress has been made towards bringing this much needed project a reality, there remain a few items under negotiation such as allocation of parking and location of curb cuts that might doom the project. 

As residents of the community, and citizens of Chicago, we are deeply concerned that Lincoln Square is becoming inaccessible to low-income residents. In approximately the past five years, Lincoln Square and North Center have lost 11.3% of our affordable apartments--one of the highest rates in the city. With this project, we now have an opportunity to reverse that trend.

We cannot allow a debate over things like parking and curb cuts to derail a critically needed affordable housing development. The unique characteristics of this site, and the importance of this development to the overall future plans for both Western Avenue and Leland Avenue along with the community support for the project must be considered in a holistic manner. Forcing a false choice between the need for housing and a vibrant business community is not in the best interests of this community. 

Today, we are asking the agencies, departments and elected officials in the City of Chicago to work together to make sure that this 100% affordable housing project in the 47th ward moves forward.