The image shows what the current zoning could accommodate, which is attractive and contextually appropriate architecture which includes storefronts and office space on the first floor, and two stories of residential housing above.

Humboldt Park residents deserve something beneficial which helps us now, and which helps build a better future for the community. We need leaders and decision makers to share our vision for the community. Overloading the neighborhood with low-income apartments and nothing else has been proven over and over again to be bad policy and bad planning.

Without office space and commercial storefronts, there will continue to be limited business development in our community.  This means less employment opportunities. This absence denies local entrepreneurs the experience of owning, operating, or working at or being mentored or inspired by a business in their community. Residents will be denied the chance to support local businesses, shop locally, and help keep money earned by residents in the local economy.  Documented "leakage" is occurring as local dollars flow to businesses located outside the community simply due to a lack of opportunity.

Within 400 feet of the proposed development site, there exist 100 low-income rental units, plus and additional 65 extremely low-income rental units. This represents close to 40% of the area dwelling units. Among academics, 30% is the generally recognized percentage of what constitutes a threshold. Exceeding this threshold has measurable negative effects on stakeholders and new residents. Adding 44 low-income rentals will swell that percentage close to 50%.

We need to be careful with our neighborhoods. We have an overconcentration of low-income housing measured by any reasonable standard. It is reasonable to ask, and demand if we have to, something that will bring some benefit and pose less risk to stakeholders.

There is a way to build more affordable housing which is context-appropriate, which could steer the neighborhood away from the negative effects of exceeding that threshold. Some ideas: Build something beautiful. Bring something else besides affordable housing that is needed to the community. Build an asset. Get context. Get community support.

As a small business owner since 1990, I have leased commercial space in Humboldt Park for over 20 years. Affordable Business Housing is virtually unobtainable in Humboldt Park, and it is badly needed if business development and job growth in the area is of any concern.

Take a minute and remind your friends and family to sign and circulate this petition. Join those of us who want to be a part of building a better future for Chicago.

The rendering was supplied by a Humboldt Park business. Thank you, Range Design & Architecture.