This story is everything that’s wrong with the fantasy that public housing is the solution for affordability. This phase of the project will deliver 309 units for the low price of $663,430 each. That is today’s estimate (it will go way over budget) and keep in mind this for redeveloping an existing building and not even new construction. Secondly, the plan for this project was released a mere 14 years ago in 2010. And it won’t be completed for several more years. Public housing is not the solution. The private market can deliver more units, much faster, and within budgets.
This story is everything that’s wrong with the fantasy that public housing is the solution for affordability. This phase of the project will deliver 309 units for the low price of $663,430 each. That is today’s estimate (it will go way over budget) and keep in mind this for redeveloping an existing building and not even new construction. Secondly, the plan for this project was released a mere 14 years ago in 2010. And it won’t be completed for several more years. Public housing is not the solution. The private market can deliver more units, much faster, and within budgets.
@AJManaseer There is literally no imperative for them to move faster or do better. A private developer this bad would have gone broke, been foreclosed on and someone else would have swooped in to finish the project. CHA failure comes with no consequences for anyone involved.
“Sarah Wick, senior vice president of affordable housing for Related Midwest, said this is not the final phase of redevelopment for Lathrop, but it will help “stabilize the south campus” from outsiders having easy access to the vacant units and will help prevent the issues with graffiti. Wick said plans to address graffiti on buildings south of Diversey are still in flux because Lathrop is on the historical preservation list.” @chicagotribune Who’s the alderman for this site? It looks like absolute garbage. 🤔
@AJManaseer That’s because contracts go to those who grease their politicians the most, then they use cheap labor, materials, go over budget to keep milking the tax dollars for years to come. It’s a racket and no one is ever held accountable.
@AJManaseer Nobody remembers Cabrini Green and Robert Taylor Homes? What a disaster that was. They want to do it again but with more $.
@AJManaseer Did you know that in the 50s and even the early60s that Lathrop homes was termed the " white projects". Played basketball at Hamlin park during that period.
@AJManaseer the CHA does not get enough scrutiny. it exists apart from the City's Housing Department when they essentially have the same mission. How can this change?
@AJManaseer Not just “public” housing. Near me a private group is trying to get approval for an affordable “supportive” housing bldg with federal grant money. Same price tag, which I assume goes towards red tape.
@AJManaseer If your last sentence was true there wouldn’t be an affordable housing crisis in this city and across the nation.
@AJManaseer It’s a democrat government entity , they don’t solve problems !!!! They are the problem but that’s ok , elect them again this time they’ll fix it …. ( insert eye roll here)