Chairperson Bryon Sigcho-Lopez has called the meeting to order. 10 members are present in person, and 2 are present virtually.

Tori Nicholson begins public comment by speaking about exorbitant ($350-700/person) move-in/move-out fees, and states that they should be illegal. She also argues in favor of rent control, and that renters should be allowed to terminate a lease upon purchase of a home.

"What is happening at 3522 South State is criminal and immoral." She cites conditions including illegal lockouts and elevator shutdowns, saying the landlord and HOA have neglected to address complaints about living conditions.

Next public comment speaker (didn't catch her name) says that housing policy should focus on Black residents, not immigrants. "They're illegal, they haven't paid a dime to be here, but all eyes are on them." She blames them for gentrification.

Michael Youngbay (unsure on spelling) echoes her concerns. He expresses anger at unclean living conditions.

George Blakemore says he is concerned only with self-preservation for himself and the Black community, and urges "Black people in high places" to do the same.

"Don't tell me nothing about the law," he says repeatedly. It's unclear whether he's discussing illegal evictions or undocumented immigration.

Tewon Simms, a homeless person, says he has not received sufficient support from city services despite having called repeatedly. He requests that the committee members help him find housing.

Almost all public comment speakers spoke past the allotted time, after their microphones were shut off. Sigcho-Lopez calmly thanked each of them for their contributions.

Two written comments were submitted, but they were not read aloud.

Anthony Rizzo, Chicago Housing Authority representative, urges the committee to renew an agreement to continue hearing tenant grievances, as required by state law.

Alderperson La Spata requests information on tenants' experiences with the grievance hearing process. Rizzo says there is no formal survey in place to measure their satisfaction.

La Spata asks about proportion of votes in favor of tenants versus landlords. No direct answer is provided.

Alderwoman Taylor requests that the motion be put on hold until the committee can have a meeting with the CHA, which she says has "been problematic for years." Her request is granted.

La Spata proposes a municipal code amendment that would extend demolition surcharge, which he says would curb the unnecessary demolition of housing. He says the policy has helped prevent 88% of unnecessary demolitions.

Demolition surcharge is already part of the municipal code; La Spata and Ramirez-Rosa are working to extend the ordinance through 2024 instead of letting it expire at the end of April. It affects the 1st, 25th, 26th, and 35th Wards.

Alderperson Jessica Fuentes says unnecessary demolitions contribute to gentrification, citing instances where housing is demolished and replaced by more expensive homes that house fewer people.

The committee votes in favor of recommending the ordinance to the city council.

Ernest Bellamy, with the department of planning and development, puts forward an agreement that would allow K Town BCP LLC to purchase eleven vacant lots to expand a parking lot.

The proposed parking lot would have space for 133 vehicles. It is located at 4704 - 4738 West Fifth Ave, and would be used for a facility in construction at 4646 W Fifth Avenue.

An alderperson says the project would revive an area that has been a "dumping ground" filled with "street walkers" (sex workers). She says she is proud that the facility is a Black-owned business.

Mr. Davis, owner of K-Town, thanks the committee for their support and expresses pride that his company currently employs 200 people.

Alderperson Scott

James Michaels, from the Department of Planning of Development, proposes selling a parcel city-owned property under Adjacent Neighbors Land Acquisition
Program. The committee approves.

DPD recommends selling vacant city-owned property at 355 N Kedzie to 345 Art Gallery. The committee approves.

Taylor Thompson, DPD representative, requests approval of an ordinance that would sell various city-owned parcels to applicants under the ChiBlockBuilder program.

There are six parcels. Each one, if approved, would become a community space—mostly community gardens. The committee votes to recommend the sale.

An update on the most recent five-year plan.

DPD says increased construction costs and "soft costs" caused them to go over budget.

New (in the past 5 years) affordable housing complexes include the 5th City Commons (celebrated for its environmental sustainability) and the Island Terrace Apartments.

Currently in progress: United Yards 1a, with 51 affordable units; Lakeview Landing, with 37 affordable units for tenants with limited mobility.

New five-year plan is underway; members of the steering committtee have been announced, and it will guide priorities for 2024-2028.

The meeting is adjourned.