Wabash Crossing in Decatur, Illinois was developed with substantial public support, including a reported $34.9 million federal HUD HOPE VI grant. The original redevelopment vision called for approximately 650 housing units, including public and affordable housing.

Today, residents and neighbors are raising concerns about abandoned buildings, squatters, maintenance delays, unsafe conditions, and deteriorating property. In April 2026, local reporting stated that a city inspection uncovered 75 code violations at the privately owned development.

Meanwhile, families, seniors, disabled residents, and individuals throughout Decatur are struggling to find safe, affordable housing.

We are not demanding that people be placed inside unsafe buildings. We are demanding accountability and a lawful plan to repair, inspect, and return every usable unit to safe, affordable occupancy.

We call for:

• A public community meeting within 30 days
• Release of inspection findings
• Identification of the owners and management
• A full accounting of public funding
• A building-by-building action plan within 60 days
• Enforcement against owners who fail to correct dangerous conditions
• Regular public progress reports until the plan is completed

Publicly supported housing should not be allowed to deteriorate while people in Decatur have nowhere safe to live.

Please sign and share the Restore Wabash Crossing petition.

—Tia Hill, Decatur Resident and Community Advocate