The high cost of housing near sustainable transportation options — CTA train stations in particular — is a major barrier to our vision for Chicago in which all residents can easily walk, bike and take public transportation.
That’s why we hope to see the proposed affordable housing project on Emmett Street (pictured) in Logan Square get built.
Many of our partners, including Logan Square Neighborhood Association and Metropolitan Planning Council, have worked for years to advance this proposal. It’s great to see it moving forward with strong community support at the same time there’s tremendous demand for affordable housing.
Our mission is to promote walking, biking and public transportation so that we can create healthy, sustainable and equitable communities. We see the Emmett Street proposal as forward-thinking development that advances our mission.
The project will add 100 affordable units near transit and retail in Logan Square and encourage more people to walk, bike and take transit for everyday transportation. The housing will also help prevent the displacement of neighborhood residents.
Just as important, the development will make it easier for low-income people and families to avoid the high-cost of car ownership. Research shows that equitable transit-oriented development like this one increase transit ridership, boost economic development, improve public health, minimize traffic congestion, create cleaner environments and strengthen the labor force.
The success of equitable transit oriented development proposals is critical to increasing transportation options for all Chicago residents, especially low-income families. TOD in Chicago cannot be an initiative that only benefits wealthy residents who can afford to pay high rents for studio and one-bedroom apartments.
We’re pleased the project features 100 percent affordable units and includes a mix of family units. The proposal will also ensure the transportation improvements from the proposed changes to the intersection of Milwaukee and Kedzie Avenues and the CTA Blue Line’s Logan Square Station are shared equally.
If the proposed zoning change is approved, construction on the project would start in the spring of 2020 at the earliest, with completion in 2021.
What are the next steps and how can you get involved in the fight to get this project across the finish line? Sign this petition to show your support for the Emmett Street proposal. Voice your support at the project’s public hearing on April 24, 6:30-8 p.m., at Logandale Middle School, 3212 W. George St., Chicago, 60618.
Image courtesy of Bickerdike Redevelopment Corporation