Mixed-Income Housing Unit in Jefferson Park Still Has Not Begun Construction
Approved by Mayor Rahm Emanuel on September 24, 2015, the proposed mixed-income housing unit at 5150 N. Northwest Highway has still not begun construction due to backlash from the community and city. The building would consist of 75 units, 60 of which would be rented at below-market price for affordable housing, including 30 rented through Illinois Housing Authority vouchers, 15 of which would be rented at about $900 to $1500 per month. "The Northwest Side traditionally hasn't been the best participant in solving the poverty problem. It's time for us to get more serious in that effort," Alderman of the 45th ward, John Arena said to DNAinfo in January of 2017. Much of the backlash has been speculated to be from the many stereotypes put on low-income renters: people who commit crimes, the unemployed, and people of color. But, people against it claim their opposition is because of the congested site proposed, which is less than a block away from the Jefferson Park Transit Center, one of the largest in the city, and includes CTA buses, trains, Pace buses, and Metra trains. They also claim the 7-story, large building does not match the overall aesthetic of the mainly residential, bungalow-filled neighborhood. Similar to nearby Veterans Square, the potential housing unit would first be rented to former members of US Armed Forces, with priority given to those with physical or mental disabilities, very important in a neighborhood which features a huge majority of bungalows older than 100 years old, which are expensive and non-accessible for those with wheelchairs or problems moving without support. The development would also ‘Energize a neglected portion of Milwaukee Avenue and Northwest Highway with an active community and commercial space,’ according to Cordogan Clark and Associates, the architecture firm that designed the building. It is estimated that the property will generate between $75,000 and $100,000 in annual tax revenue for the neighborhood. Sean Shaffer, a resident of Jefferson Park for 21 years says, “...I like the idea of mixed income housing in my neighborhood to increase diversity and slow gentrification.” Though he is worried about the effects of gentrification, he says “I like for the most part where Jeff Park is going and strongly believe John Arena, our alderman, has our best interests at heart. I'd like to see more vacant storefronts open coffee shops and funky stores. Right now the arts community is blossoming, so the rules of gentrification would say those are coming soon. Opponents of the development are concerned about the influx of families moving in causing stress to the neighborhood schools, the construction causing increased traffic in an already congested area, and the building being an eyesore for residents and visitors. “Anyone who researches the 'good, the bad and the ugly' regarding section 8, will find that the 'ugly' has to do with tenants that have a high profile for crime and tend to not take care (gravely damage) the property,” says Cathleen Jerger, a former resident of Jefferson Park and signer of a petition on Change.org opposing the development.