AT THE FOREFRONT OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING SET-ASIDES

August 30, 2003

Chicago Tribune

Negotiate housing

Renee Snow, Jane Addams Senior Caucus, Affordable Housing co-chair.

Your editorial of Aug. 13 "The push for affordable housing" recognizes the crisis in affordable housing but opposes the one policy that would provide a comprehensive, fair and long-term remedy: the Balanced Development Ordinance. Balanced development is policy in approximately 200 cities nationwide; there is no evidence that this policy has caused developers to avoid these areas.Here in Chicago two North Side aldermen, Helen Shiller (46th) and Eugene Schulter (47th), negotiate set-asides with developers of multi-unit buildings. These wards are now among the most highly valued real estate markets in the city. Ald. Toni Preckwinkle (4th) and 22 colleagues have shown leadership and vision in sponsoring the Balanced Development Ordinance. It's time for the Tribune and the mayor to do the same.

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