2026-10-08 - Committee on Housing and Real Estate

Good morning. Good morning, everyone. I want to welcome everyone to the October meeting of the Committee on Housing and Real Estate of the Chicago City Council. The time is 10:53, and the meeting is

called to order. Today, we have 13 items on the agenda, and we're going to start with roll call to establish quorum. We'll start with Vice Chair Mitchell. Vice Chair Mitchell, present. Alderman

Espada. Not present. Alderwoman Dowell. Present. Alderman Robinson. Alderman Robinson. Here. Present. Alderman Quinn. Here. Alderman Moore. Alderman Taylor. Alderman Taylor, present. Alderman Tavares.

I think she's still in the other room. Alderwoman Scott. Present. Alderperson Fuentes. Present. Alderperson Burnett. Not present. Alderwoman Rodriguez Sanchez. Present. Alderman Villegas. Not present.

Alderwoman Mitz. Not present. Alderwoman Clay. Present. Alderwoman Happenworth. Present. And Alderwoman Hadden. Present. We have 12 members, including the chair, that establishes quorum. We have a

Rule 59 request from Alderman Quezada and Alderwoman Harris. Can I get a motion to allow them to attend via remote means? So moved by Alderperson Happenworth. All those in favor say "aye." All those

opposed say "nay." In the opinion of the chair, the ayes have it. We do have both alderpersons online now for quorum. Before I start public comment, I want to recognize, I want to welcome Congressman

Danny Davis. He's here present, so thank you and welcome, Congressman. Thank you for joining us on the House Real Estate Committee. And now we have Alderman Moore as well for the purpose of quorum. We

have- How many is that? One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight. We got eight people signed up for public comment. Each speaker will be given three minutes to speak on all items on the agenda,

and we're going to start with Congressman Danny Davis. Thank you, Congressman. You can join us here in the front. Thank you, Congressman, and welcome. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman, Madam

Chairman, all of the members of this distinguished committee. I am excited and delighted and pleased to be here because I really come to make a comment relative to my next-door neighbor who is being

considered for the board of the Chicago Housing Authority. Ms. Mary Gardner, whom I have known at least more than 40 years. She is a tremendous community activist, seriously involved. As a matter of

fact, her former husband actually ran for mayor one time of the city of Chicago. I remember when their daughter was born, who is an activist herself and a labor union organizer. I think that Mary

Gardner is the epitome of the kind of individual. I've represented more public housing probably than anybody in the state of Illinois, given the fact that I've done it for so long. And always had more

public housing in my congressional district than all of the other districts combined. We used to call it Public Housing Alley, all the way down State Street. I heard Mr. Blakemore talk about tearing

down the public housing. Well, I think Mary Gardner would be a real advocate for the people, and simply wanted to come and let the committee know that, and trust that she will in fact be confirmed.

Because I think she would do an excellent job for the people of Chicago. Thank you very much, and it's so good to be in quarters like these. Because when I was here, aldermen had one desk, one chair

or two chairs. They had one chair for the person who came to see them, and another chair that they sat in. So the one for the secretary, if somebody had something private they wanted to discuss, you'd

have to ask your secretary to go out and get a cup of coffee or run an errand so that the constituents could have some privacy. The quarters have changed tremendously, but the importance remains the

same. Thank you all very much, and it's a pleasure to be here. Thank you, Congressman. Thank you so much. Next we have Fred... I'm sorry, Alderman Dowell. Yes, Congressman. I think on behalf of all of

us, we know this is your winding down, and on behalf of all of us, we want to thank you for your service to the city of Chicago. Not just through your role as the former alderman of the 29th Ward, but

also Cook County Commissioner, and also as the congressman for the 7th Congressional District. Thank you so much. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, Congressman, and alderman as well. So welcome back.

So thank you so much, and thank you for your service, Congressman Davis. Next we have Freddy Moon. Freddy? No. So we can come back for that. Michael Gyombe? Freddy? Oh, yeah. Freddy? Yeah. Ms. Freddy

Moon. H- hello. My name is Freddy Moon, and I'm here on the behalf of Ms. Vernell Gibbons. She is wanting to be confirmed as commissioner for the Chicago Housing, the HAC. And I've known Ms. Gibbons

for over 30 some years. Actually, I am a member of the family. She is the aunt of my grandson, so we are also family, as well as knowing her whole family. She has always been a person to care for

someone else. She will put them ahead of her wants. She is a very good leader, a caring person, and she's just a person that want to help others. She's always been that way. Ever since I have known

her, she has been in the Chicago housing, in the senior building where we live at Dr. Emanuel Apartments. She loves to put on activities for the seniors. And anything that they need in the building or

any place else, she will go out of her way to help or put her health on hold to do something for the people in the housing, and the seniors in the housing community. Her family as well has been that

way. Like I said, I love her, and I think her services on the commission would be of great advantage. So, thank you. Thank you so much, Ms. Freddy. Next we have Mr. Michael Gyombe. Hey. Good

afternoon, everyone. Oh, man. It's kind of confusing to get up here and speak on housing, especially what me and my family done been through far as housing, far as homelessness, et cetera. And I see

the press conference downstairs, and I see the shenanigans. I see the scams. I see the hatred more than anything. That's the sole problem here, is the hatred. People have hatred for a person just

because they look a certain way, they speak a certain way, et cetera. But I've been front line. Literally, front line. I done talk with aldermen, and some of y'all in here now, about housing

conditions over the years, shelter conditions over the years. I done been attacked down here, et cetera. And I support just cause. I support people that's doing right. I try to bring awareness to the

public. That's my thing. I'm for the people, I come from the people, and I stand by the people. That's my thing. That's my motto. For the people, by the people, from the people. And to get the

receptions that I get down here is just mind-blowing, to see that the people have so much hate in their heart towards other people, other citizens. And so from now on, I'm going to come to this mic

because I got videos, we got recordings, et cetera. People pushing a candidate, and they don't even support the candidate themselves. So I'm going to put it out there. I'm going to put you on blast if

that's what y'all want to call it, et cetera. I'm going to speak nothing but the truth. That's all I've been speaking. Yeah, I done said some things out of order over time, and y'all know that, and I

respect that, but I was under certain conditions. So I'm a father. I'm not playing dad or nothing like that. So, fighting for my child, my wife, for housing is, was everything. I had to put it all out

there on the line, especially when I'm receiving the pushback, et cetera, that I received. So from now on, from this microphone, I don't care who you is, I'm going to let you have it. I'm going to let

you have it, because some of y'all playing so many games, you might as well vote for Brandon Johnson. I'm going to put you out there, and I mean that. Thank you. Next we have Ms. Jessica Jackson. Good

morning. And I'm glad to see that the panel was full this morning. But it's disheartening to see that the panel is full because the main topic is going to be about public housing. Now, it's not to say

that public housing is not needed, but it is to say how this whole thing with housing is being misrepresented and manipulated to the public. Now, I'm a property owner, and yeah, I see the hate. I see

the hate, too. I see the hate that people have for the fact that I'm fighting for my property. I'm fighting for what my mother worked for. My mother and my father, what they worked for, paid for,

bought with their money. Never was on public aid ever a day in their lives. Just like they raised their three children to never be on public aid a day in our lives. Just like we've raised our children

to work and pay bills and pay their rent and not be on public aid a day in their lives. And I'm wondering why I get the hate that I get for fighting for what's mine. I wonder why I get attacked all on

the internet, all with people cherry-picking my case because of the people that were sent by some of you all, by Brandon Johnson, by his cronies, because you want to discredit what I'm saying because

every single one of y'all sitting on that panel know that I'm telling the truth. Every single last one of you all sitting on that panel know that I have the documentation to prove that Cook County and

city officials are stealing Black people's real estate. A topic that the Real Estate and Housing Department refuses to address. You all sit up here and have these renters here as if it's wrong to

increase their rent. An attack on landlords, attack on property owners, when you all know that the reason why landlords have to raise the rent is because you all keep vastly accelerating property

taxes. You all know that. A landlord, a property owner is not running a charity. We're not looking to give our money away. We're not looking to give our stuff away. So tell these people who you all

keep telling how they deserve to live free or a little bit of nothing on the landlord. Tell them to see their landlord about that plumbing expense, about that roofing expense, about the flooring

expense, about the property taxes that they have to pay, whether or not they pay their rent or not. Have that conversation with people so that this attack on property owners can stop because I'm

getting attacked by the public for fighting for my property. Thank you. I'd also like to recognize Alderman Espada and Alderman Burnett for the purpose of the quorum. Next we have Zoe Lee. Let me

introduce who I am. My name is Zoe Lee, and I'm the creator of CFR. I don't care what anybody says about me. I don't care because I came down here by myself because my mother had three children, and

I'm the one that has always been a rebel. I've been the one who has been to jail. I've been the one who's been to prison. I've been the one who's been on parole. I'm the one who my mother has put me

in the mental hospital so I would avoid going to prison. I don't care. Y'all can say whatever y'all want to say. I'm not obligated to talk to anybody that I don't align with. I don't play this social

media stuff. I came down here because I wanted y'all to take care of something that y'all should've took care of, but y'all didn't take care of. So I've been down here ever since. Made enemies with

people because I'm fighting for the City of Chicago unlawfully demolishing people's properties without no court orders because y'all are making friends and deals with developers. Everybody don't want

to rent. Everybody don't want to live in a condo. People like single-family homes. I want a backyard. I want a front yard. I want to have parties. I want to enjoy my friends. Public housing is a scam,

and it's been a scam in our communities for years. For years. Y'all do not want us to elevate. Y'all don't want us to have our own. The Democratic Party is a plantation for N*****s. All different

sizes, colors, national-- Not even nationalities. Sizes, colors, the LGBTQ. It doesn't matter as long as you can control us and the statistics. Y'all don't care if we kill each other. Y'all don't care

if we talk about each other. I don't have to talk to anybody. I don't have to talk to you. I don't have to talk to him. I don't have to talk to him. I don't have to talk to you. I don't have to talk

to anybody that I don't want to talk to, especially when I know that you ain't for the people. Because if you were for the people, you wouldn't even have to threaten on this mic that you were about--

I don't care what Ms. Jessica ever said about me. I don't care what she's ever said about Danielle, because at the end of the day, everybody said that we were plants. But we the only ones that been

standing by me is Ms. Jessica, is Danielle. Because all this is a game and I'm not playing. Thank you. Next, we have Peter Lara. Peter Lara? Please, please. Let's reframe. It should be rolling. Is it

rolling? Thank you. Thank you. Peter, please go ahead. I think it's an absolute shame that me and Jessica were one of the first people to write for public comment, but yet we were basically put in the

last for that. And I think it's also disgraceful that majority of everyone that's here want to diddy-daddle, want to talk and mingle, and almost a half an hour late. Then you want to start this

meeting. The meeting starts at 10:30. Why are you late? We pay your six-figure salaries. We pay for them paid lunches and whatever not. And you all get bonuses, too. We're paying for them and for you

all to be late? That's disgraceful. Late for the public, the people of the United States, the people of Chicago. All of you guys want to put people in government housing because that means you guys

get to control the public. And it's also disrespectful that I'm speaking here, and it seems like nobody's listening. That's also sad, too. But we're going to move on from that. But more importantly,

this is the plan that you guys are working with Preckwinkle and all these other people that want to raise taxes. You all want to continue raising taxes because Chicago, its politicians are well known

for that. You want to continue that, so then people get their houses foreclosed, so that people can't afford. Everyone is left in a strain right now, and yet the city of Chicago is allowing this to

happen. The state of Illinois wants to put more taxes. Nobody wants to stand up for any of us. You people only represent yourselves as the politicians, not for the people. And so when people are left

scavenging and they can't afford anything, where do they have to turn? They have no choice but to turn to government housing. All nothing but control. You guys are against the American dream of

freedom, owning our own property. There's no reason why our property taxes need to be over $10,000. There's no reason for that. And for many, over the past couple of years, it has doubled and tripled.

That's the Democratic agenda. It's so dishonest. It's all corrupt. It's so terrible. It's beyond sickening. And these Democrats and liberals, they'll go ahead and they'll spew, "Oh, well, the

Democrats are for the people." No, they're not. And when you mention it to them, then they go, "Oh, you don't know what you're talking about." You listened and get brainwashed. And you know what? Just

like how I did at the last meeting, I'm going to do the same thing. You see this agenda here? This agenda. Watch. Garbage. Junk. Disgraceful. Dishonorable. Thank you. Next, we have George Blakemore.

And I want to recognize also Alderwoman Talares for the purpose of the quorum. Thank you, Alderwoman. The games that people play, my master and your master. The bird has two wings. The Democrats and

the Republicans are both racist to Black people who was enslaved in America. White wealth, Black labor, both. But I'm advocating for the bigot white man, Trump, to come to this Democratic swamp and

clean it up. And then I'm advocating for Trump to get out, too, and for us to go back. Self-preservation is the first law of nature. Black people don't understand the machine, the Democratic machine,

the Republican machine. John Brown was a good white man. They had the North fighting the South, going to free the slaves. The North going to give them 40 acres and a mule. What happened to that 40

acres? What happened to that mule? Black people, you are Black, and you are a unique people. You're the first human being on planet Earth. All, and you have mental problems. You don't like yourself,

and you don't know self-preservation is the first law of nature. You Black people are completely insane, fighting each other. "Coach, he's fighting me." And they both lost. And here come Texas, here

come Arizona, here come California, here come Colorado. Divided we can't make it. United, we can. We're all a family. Like it or not, you got to like your nappy hair, your big nose, your thick lips,

and your back booty hole because you're stuck with it. You're not white. You're stuck with it. Get over it and love it, and do what you can for you. Be selfish. We can kill two birds with one stone.

My mother used to say that. "How can you do that, counselor?" Both of them out. Trump, clean up the swamp, and then we deal with Trump. But in the end, we have to deal with each other. Public housing.

Public housing. God blesses the child that has his own. Papa may howl, Mama may howl, but God blesses the child that got his own. We need our own banks. We need our own Black Wall Street. We need each

other. Thank you. Thank you. Finally, we have Anton Seals. Anton Seals? That concludes then our public comment. No, he's not in. Yeah. So that concludes our public comment. The committee also received

eight written public comments. Written comments were emailed and included in your packets today. Thank you so much, and I appreciate everybody for participating. Our first order of business is the

Rule 45 report from September 16, 2026, which was also emailed and handed out to committee members. Can I get a motion to approve this report? So moved by Alderwoman Taylor. All those in favor, say

aye. All those opposed, say nay. In the opinion of the chair, the ayes have it. The Rule 45 report has been approved. Now we will move on with the items before the committee. We'll begin to get

today's meeting with items one and two. We will call item three in committee for next month. These two items are appointments to the Chicago Housing Authority Board of Commissioners. We have

substitutes for the appointments which were shared yesterday, and copies are in your packets. The substitutes clarified who the appointees will be replacing on the board. Can I get a motion to accept

for consideration the Substitute Ordinance 2026-0029000, appointment of Vernell Givens as Commissioner of Chicago Housing Authority, and Substitute Ordinance 2026-0029001, appointment of Mary Gardner

as Commissioner of Chicago Housing Authority. Can I get a motion? So moved by Alderperson Taylor. All those in favor, say aye. All those opposed, say nay. In the opinion of the chair, the ayes have

it. The substitute appointments are before us. We'll give each appointee a few minutes to introduce themselves and provide a short summary on their interest in serving as CHA commissioners. After all

the appointees have spoken, we'll have a Q&A from committee members, and we'll take a vote on the appointments at the end. Are there any questions or comments? Please raise your hand. Alderwoman

Dowell, followed by Alderman Liz Petter. Yes, I just want to be clear on the process. Are we taking these, Chairman, together or separately? Are we voting on these as a group or as separate? We can

take them individually. Do you have a preference? Individually. Yeah. So we'll take them individually. I usually do. Okay. Then we'll take those individually. Alderman Liz Petter? I am happy to wait

for statements. Okay. So we're going to start with Ms. Vernell Givens. Thank you so much for joining us, and then you have a few minutes for your introduction. Good morning, Chairman- Good morning ...

and members of the committee. My name is Renelle Givens, and I am honored to be sitting here at this table right now. I am a resident of Chicago Housing Authority for nine years, 15 total with senior

housing. I am passionate about what I do. As a child, I always wanted to do something for seniors, and I still have that passion of wanting to do to help others. I've worked helping others. I started

a senior group, and it had a total of 62 seniors, where I took them out on outings. I had people come in, teach them how to do different things as far as crocheting, sewing, and stuff like that. So,

I've worked with Carver Edison for the Chicago Police Department's Crime Watch, a show that they used to have on TV. And my whole life has been about helping others. That's what I want to do. If I can

do anything to make anything better, that's what I want to do. Until the day I close my eyes, that's what I want. I want to be a help to others. And I'm just asking right now, I'm humbly asking that

you support me in this role, and I thank you for allowing me to be here. Thank you. So we can take some questions since we're going to do it individually. Any? Alderman Spiro followed by Alderman

Moore. Thank you, Chair. Just out of curiosity, are either of the two other appointees with us online? No, both of them are here in person. Mm-hmm. Ms. Gardner is in the back. Oh. They're going to do

it individually. That version of individually. Okay. Yes. Then I feel like I wound up asking the same question three times, so I'll just preface for the other two appointees. My question would be, I

really thank you, number one, for seeking this appointment. Mm-hmm. You bring a strong resume and great experiences. I appreciate you reaching out, and clearly you look up yourself online, ma'am, your

accomplishments speak for themselves. Mm-hmm. My question would be, as much as I believe in stable and capable leadership for the board, I believe in stable and capable leadership for the CHA as an

organization. I was curious if you could share, either in your professional or personal capacities, have you had an opportunity to meet with CEO Pettigrew? Yes, I have. And- Thank you for asking. Yes,

I have. Can you share with us, what do you feel is the role of a board member in building a productive and accountable relationship with the CEO? First, listening to what he has to say and what is his

goals for what's to happen. Then giving him my input on what I think should be going on, and working together to make things work. That's a good answer. Great answer. Thank you, Ms. Givens. That's all

for me, Chair. Thank you, Alderman. Alderman Moore. How you doing, sir? I'm doing well. So which senior building do you live in? Fannie Emanuel at 3916 West Washington Boulevard. Thanks for asking the

question. And you've been a resident there for how many years? Nine years there. Nine years. I've been the building president for eight years. Who was the previous building president? That's a new

building. That's a new building? It opened up in 2017 of December. Okay. And I moved in in February of 2018. Right. And so as building president, you work with the different members of the Local

Advisory Council, correct? Yes. Do you have a relationship with Ms. Francine Washington? Yes. That's my mentor. Really? Yes. And did she convey to you if she's supporting your appointment? She

supported me and this other, another lady, Concita. It's two of us that she likes, so she's I think torn between the two, but I think the other lady is her number one, and I'm her number two. Thank

you for your honesty. I appreciate that. I just want to say, I appreciate you stepping up, wanting to move up more, even in a leadership role- Yeah ... and taking on for your service as the president

for the seniors' building. But you're president of your senior building or all the senior buildings? I have 14 senior buildings. Okay. I'm the Senior Central President, LAC Senior Central. And in

working with the senior buildings, what are some of the- I visit the bu- ... top two pressing issues that you see in the senior buildings? With the senior buildings, there's a lot of work that needs

to be done, and I'm hoping to see it get done. We have problem with, I think all buildings have a problem with the drug activity. Mm-hmm. And that's their main focus right now is the drug activity

that's going on in the senior buildings. Okay. And in you working with CHA, how have they been responding to that? Yes, I'm working with the CHA security. So you work with security, not CHA itself?

With CHA, trying to figure out ways to stop some of this. And over the years, how have they responded to it? They respond very good. Very good. We've seen a lot of changes. We really have. We've seen

a lot of changes since we've been working on it. Okay. Thank you. Thank you, Chairman. Thank you. I want to recognize also Alderman Villegas for the purpose of the quorum. Alderman Dalley. Thank you.

Good morning, Ms. Givens. Good morning, Alderman Dalley. When you and I talked the other night, I asked you if you had the support of Francine Washington, and you said yes. You recall that

conversation? Yes, I do. All right. And then we got on a three-way. Yes, we did. And what did Francine say? She explained to you about the other lady that she wanted instead of me. But she never said

she didn't approve of me, but she said she would rather the other lady because she knew a little bit more. Okay. And when you look at how CHA residents get on the CHA board- Mm-hmm ... you all have a

process through the CAC where you vote on- Yes ... members to- Yes ... be on the board. Mm-hmm. Did you participate in a vote? No, I didn't. All right. Now, you know that there's been talk about some

folks not liking how Keith Pettigrew was selected to be the CEO of CHA. Do you have an opinion about how that vote went? Not really, because I don't know what went on, and I can't speak on something

when I don't know what went on. Okay. So you're going on the board. Do you have an opinion about Mr. Pettigrew and his leadership so far? Yes. From what I've seen so far with him, I think it was a

great position that he was put in. He does a wonderful job. He's done a wonderful job since he's been in there. Anything I have asked for, as far as helping with the seniors, he has done it. So you

have not been asked to perform, or take a vote that would seek to remove him? Oh, no. Okay. What's your opinion on the plan for transformation? Really, I don't have an opinion because I have not

really studied it like I should, but I hear a lot of talk around the table when I'm at the CAC meetings, and it's basically the scattered sites and stuff talking about it. They don't ever talk to the

senior buildings about it Okay, and what is your vision? Or what will be, not your vision, but what do you care about the most as you make this move to be on the Board of Commissioners? That our

seniors be treated as equal, not as secondhand or second class, but be as equal. That they deserve, not only the seniors, but all tenants deserve to live in good conditions. That's what I want. Okay.

And my last question to you is, who was the last person that came out of the CAC voting process to ascend to the Board of Commissioners? Did you say to come out? Yes. Who was the last person that was

voted on by the CAC members to become a member of the Board of Commissioners? Hmm. That's a good question. I'm thinking Deborah Parker, but I think I'm wrong. Yeah. No, I think you're right. Oh. Okay.

She was voted on, though, by the CAC. Yes. Yeah. And you have not received that vote. Mm-mm. Thank you very much, Mr. Chair. You're welcome. Thank you, Alderman Dowell. Any other questions? Otherwise,

can I get a motion to approve this appointment? So moved by Alderperson Rodriguez-Sanchez. Roll call. So we're going to do roll call on this vote. Vice Chair Mitchell? Vice Chair Mitchell, no.

Alderman Espada? Yes. Alderman Espada, yes. Alderman Dowell? No. No. Alderman Robinson? Alderman Robinson, yes. Alderman Quinn? Alderman Quinn, no. Oh, oh, Alderman Harris. Sorry, I think you were on

mute. No. Alderman Harris, no. Alderman Moore? Alderman Moore, no. Alderwoman Taylor? Alderman Taylor, yes. Alderman Salaris? Alderwoman Scott? No. Alderperson Fuentes? Aye. Alderman Burnett? Aye.

Alderwoman Rodriguez-Sanchez? Yes. Alderman Casada? Alderman Casada, can you hear us? Hmm. Yeah. He's not... Alderman Villegas? No. No. Alderwoman Metz? Alderwoman Clay? Yes. Alderwoman Appreworth?

Yes. Alderwoman Hadden? Alderwoman Hadden is in the other room. And chairman votes yes. How many? So nine yeses, seven no. The motion carries, so the appointment moves forward, and the due pass

recommendation will be reported out at the next City Council meeting on October 14th, 2026. Congratulations, Ms. Givens. Thank you for being here. You're welcome. Thank you so much. The next

appointment is Subject Ordinance 2026-0029001, the appointment for Mary Gardner as Commissioner Chicago Housing Authority. Thank you. Welcome, Ms. Gardner. So you have a few minutes for your

introduction and remarks, and then we'll have Q&A by committee members, just like Ms. Givens. Thank you, Ms. Gardner. Thank you. Good morning, Chairman and members of the Committee on Housing and

Real Estate Committee. As I prepared my remarks for today, I found myself reflecting deeply on decades of movement work that have taken place across our city and inside these very chambers to make

this day possible. My journey in public service began back in 1979 at Operation PUSH, where I not only developed my foundation as an organizer, but also I met my late husband, Joe Gardner. Together,

rooted in that movement energy at 50th and Drexel, we dedicated our lives to grassroots organizing, urban renewal, and championed the historic 1983 election of Mayor Harold Washington. Raised on the

South Side as the middle child of eight in my family, in a family that migrated from Alabama, I would work my way through college while raising my children, earning a degree in organizational

management from Concordia University. I know firsthand the resilience of Chicago working families. Throughout my career, while serving as housing and outreach coordinator for Senator Allen Dixon,

working along Ms. Artencia Randolph and CAC advisory members, centered around mobilizing neighborhood forums, helping public housing residents realize their true proximity to power, serving as a local

school council representative, or helping organize coalitions for justice with the mayor's Advisory Council on Women. My focus has remained unchanged, empowering residents and reminding them that they

are, we are, somebody. And today I stand before you, deeply honored to continue that lifelong mission on behalf of the residents of the Chicago Housing Authority. I am grateful to Mayor Brandon

Johnson for this trust and opportunity to serve. I respectfully ask for your support and a favorite vote today. Thank you. Thank you, Ms. Gardner. Questions by committee members. Alderman Taylor,

followed by Alderman Moore. You can't see me because my coworker is taller than me. And I'm the short person in the room. How you doing, Ms. Gardner? I'm good. Thank you. Can you tell me what do you

think about the plan for transformation? You asked me a question earlier, so I want to ask. So tell me what you think about the plan for transformation. You know, it's interesting because I was there

when that plan was introduced here in Chicago. I think that it's a very good plan for the benefit of the residents of CHA. So you feel like it was successful? No, not successful. Oh, okay. Please, I

didn't say, Ms. Gardner. I'm going to- I feel like that back when it was introduced, I think the potential of that plan for the residents started out well, on a good foot. Do you feel like it is

something we should continue, or there should be a new plan? What are your thoughts? Because we're looking at new leadership. We've had leadership who kind of didn't pay attention to the plan,

because, not in my opinion, in my lived experience, it failed. We failed the people tremendously. We knocked down buildings. We broke up families and communities. And now we're still trying to hold

together folks who used to live together and who used to be a part of a community. And so can you talk about, in your role on this, knowing all the mess that is happening with the appointment of

Pettigrew, which we all knew didn't go well. Now, he is a person that I do respect, and I do like how he talks about it. But if we going to call a spade a spade, we know that he was not put in the

right way. There was not a 48-hour notice given, and he was not appointed in a way that is proper. And so how do we start to fix the issues there? Or do you think it's an issue? First of all, I do

think it is an issue. I think that the transformation of this plan has struggled, now 26 years later. I know residents are still trying to get back to a community that they grew up in. They're still

trying to get back to a community that they called home, that this plan promised you would have a way back home. And so I know that that is still a struggle for that plan. What do you feel like your

role will be to bring this board together? Well, I'm a mobilizer. Yeah, you said you were an organizer, right? Yes. What I would do is what is in the best interest of getting the residents back in

housing, what is in the best interest of the City of Chicago, so that we can continue to do what is right as a landlord for the folks of public housing. What is your take on land swaps? I don't have

one right now. I would have to look at that a little bit more. I would say, well, if I had to speculate, and I know that's not a good thing to do, I'm not sure if I would be in favor of it. You say

you're not sure if you'll be in favor of it? I would, yes, if I had to speculate on it. Yes. Thank you. Thank you, Chairman. Thank you. Alderman Moore? Good morning. Good morning. First of all, thanks

again for the phone call, but everybody knows your name precedes you. You've been doing a lot of great work throughout this city, and it's been appreciated. My question, it has to do with, I don't

know if you're totally familiar with the makeup of the board, but you all have to make decisions on various different things from construction management, housing finance, just different areas. And I

just remember from being at CHA, there were certain chairmen that were stronger in certain areas than others. And which area would you think would be your most strongest area, where you would add

value to the board? Thank you for that question, Alderman Moore. My strong points would be with the residents. People power. Making sure that that foundation of the work that we would be doing on

behalf of the residents of CHA is clearly understood. Could you elaborate on that just a little bit more? Only because, as we know, a lot of our buildings are down, but we got a lot of CHA residents

out there in scattered sites or even Section Eight. And I know that a lot of them come back sometimes for resources. How do we get those interests, or what do you think would be the best way to get

their interests resolved and them staying in the loop at CHA? Well, and one of the other things is ensuring that whatever that maintenance calendar is, that in terms of the status of the buildings,

the properties that are throughout the city of Chicago, making sure that those residents, those issues that prevent a resident from being able to comfortably live as we all do, should be addressed.

And if there is delay, why is there a delay? I think that being on the board, I would strive for us to bring accountability. And why is there-- and if that does not exist, to make sure that we find

out why as a board, and we take care of that so that the residents of CHA and the City of Chicago are happy, if I can say happy, where they live. Chairman. Thank you, Alderman Moore. Alderman Espada?

Thank you so much, Chair. Ms. Gardner, similar question as before. I'm curious, as someone with long-term relationships and experience with public housing in the city, have you already, in your

personal or professional capacity, had an opportunity to meet and/or work with CEO Pettigrew? And in either case for that, what do you think is the role of the board in maintaining a productive and

accountable relationship with the CEO? So the role, if I may take it in reverse, the role of the board is to have a strong relationship with the CEO that benefits the residents of the housing

authority, CHA. I have not had the opportunity to meet Mr. Pettigrew. Is that the name? This is-- I'm saying his name right, correct? Keith. Keith Pettigrew, correct? Yeah. I've not had an opportunity

to meet. Okay. Interesting. Thank you. Alderman Dowell? Yes. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I wanted to follow up on my colleague's question. When you say the CEO should benefit the residents, how do you

measure that? Oh. How do you measure benefit to the resident? Well, I don't know if I said-- I said the board should make sure the relationship with the CEO is one that benefits- Benefits the

residents ... the residents, correct. Right. In terms of the plan of how we are going to run this organization, making sure there's transparency with the board and with the residents as well. I think

the CEO should be a leader that understands what the Chicago Housing Authority is about, what it means to us in the City of Chicago, and how we respect all of our residents, regardless of where you

live. So the CEO should always kind of deliver that message, if you will. So would you say that a CEO who comes in and addresses deferred maintenance, that's a benefit to the residents, right? Yes, it

would be a benefit. Okay. That looks at improving property management and security for the residents, that's a benefit to the residents. Yes. Is that something that you would take into consideration

in your role as a board of commissioner? Absolutely. Great. Yes. Now, this is not a politically correct question that I'm going to ask you, but I would like to have you respond to it. So you have

received two significant appointments by the mayor. You were selected to be, appointed I should say, to the CPS board, right? Yes. And then now you're at CHA. You're up for the CHA. Some people would

say, this is not a politically correct question, but some people would say that you're the mayor's hit woman, right? And so I want to know, have you been asked to take a position on Mr. Pettigrew

going into this office? So if I may, Committee Woman Dowell, Alderman Dowell. Neighbor. Neighbor. Thank you. I'm proud of the fact that when Harold Washington was mayor, that the school reform bill

was passed, and we had an opportunity as residents to get involved with the schools. And so I ran. I was on three local school councils. I was a parent rep, I was a community rep at Austin High

School, and I was a community rep actually at Frederick Douglass, which is now a high school. So I was very proud of that moment. And to have an opportunity to bring all of that experience and take it

to the board, I just couldn't resist it. I felt very honored to do that. And as I sit here today, same thing almost. The history that I've been, that kind of my family as well, we've been brought up

in, that revolves around CHA. What an honor it was to watch Artencia Randolph. And I actually met Francine Washington when she was a young advocate back during those days. So this feels like a good

fit. This feels like an opportunity For me to almost kind of pick up from where we left off back then, moving forward, making the CHA something you all will be proud of. I think that's a great point.

I feel that from you. Have you had that conversation with Francine prior to coming before us today? I have not had an opportunity to speak with her. All right. Thank you, Mr. President. Point of

clarification by Mr. Mitchell. She fine. Not really. Can you give me the question again, Alderwoman? Any other questions by committee members? No. Are there otherwise, Alderman Dowd, want to roll call

on this? No, yeah. All right. So can I get a motion to approve this appointment? So moved by Alderperson Fuentes. All those in favor say aye. Aye. All those oppose nay. In the opinion of the chair,

the ayes have it. The due pass recommendation of this appointment will be reported out at the next city council meeting on October 14, 2026. Congratulations, Ms. Gardner. Thank you. Mm-hmm. The

remaining items on today's agenda are from the Department of Planning and Development. Item 04 is Ordinance 2026-0029008, sale of city-owned property at 11414 South Halsted Street to Far South CDC

under the Low-Income Housing Tax Credits program for the redevelopment of Morgan Park Commons, repeal and replacement of Ordinance 2026-0026567 in its entirety in the 21st Ward. Jasmine Gunn from the

Department of Planning is here to testify on this ordinance. Are you ready? All right. Thank you. Thank you, Jasmine, and the floor is yours. All right. Thank you, Chairman, and good afternoon to you

and the members of the community. For the record, my name is Jasmine Gunn, and I'm a planner for the Far South region at the City of Chicago Department of Planning and Development. I'm here at the

direction of the Department of Law and Council to present an amendment to the land sale ordinance for the Morgan Park Commons project, located at the common address of 11414 South Halsted Street. To

recap, this land disposition consists of two parcels with an estimated market value of $695,805. The parcel was included in the 21st Ward, with Alderman Mosley and in the Morgan Park community area.

This is in the Department of Planning's Far South region, as well as the 119th and Halsted TIF district. The project is located at the corner of 115th and Halsted, and the site is surrounded by

residential and retail uses. The current conditions include a vacant one story, 67,000 square foot retail store shown in the image here, which was a formal Jewel-Osco building. Maybe ask, but maybe.

So, to give an overview of the project, the lead developers and applicants for this land sale are Far South Community Development Corporation, who will acquire the parcels to complete site work that

will include demolition of that existing commercial building. They will make utility improvements along with right-of-way and stormwater infrastructure. The land sale and the site work is fully funded

through a State of Illinois capital infrastructure grant, and after closing on the land and preparing the site for development, a separate redevelopment agreement and legislative action will be

established for the Far South CDC to work with the Preservation of Affordable Housing, or POA, to develop phase one of Morgan Park Commons, which includes the development of affordable housing project

that will include 70 new housing units through the support of Litech and other city and state resources. So the diagram shown here highlights the current site control of the site. So the overall

project site is for the Morgan Park Commons project highlighted in green. The total square footage of the two city-owned parcels to be disposed of is highlighted in red on the diagram here, and is

approximately 281,400 square feet. And the other half of the site is owned by the applicant, which is Far South CDC. The blue outline is the location of the phase one affordable housing. And the image

shows the overall massing and diagram for the full Morgan Park Commons project, which highlights the phase one buildings that I mentioned in purple, and the other potential project phases. Each

building in phase one includes 35 housing units. As mentioned, the scope of work for the land sale includes stormwater infrastructure, demolition and site clearance, and grading and utilities. The

overall budget for the site work and land sale is $15 million, and is provided by the State of Illinois capital grant. The grant is expected to expire in the early part of next year, so they're

looking to move this forward to ensure they can access those funds to complete that infrastructure work. So the land sale ordinance was approved in July of this year. As mentioned, following

subsequent project review, the Department of Law would recommend repealing and replacing this ordinance to remove language relating to the National Environmental Protection Act, or NEPA. Adjusting

this language would minimize the risk that the ordinance could be considered a choice-limiting action, which could jeopardize the federal funding that is a part of the phase one and overall project.

All other language within the ordinance will remain the same, and I just would like to request a favorable vote to approve the amended land sale for Far South CDC to facilitate and advance the Morgan

Park Commons project. So with that, I conclude my presentation. I'm happy to take any questions. Thank you, Jasmine. Any questions from committee members? Alderman Taylor. I'm sorry, we can't see

these screens up here, and they're just not giving a presentation. Can you tell me what's changing from the original to the new? It's literally just removing language related to NEPA. Okay. So nothing

on the overall deal of the project is changing. It's just they referred to NEPA in a way that they shouldn't have, or they could potentially risk federal funding, which we know is being heavily

scrutinized at this time. So- Thank you. This is a caution. Thank you, Jasmine. Any other, Alderman Liz Petter? Thank you so much. I appreciate the, to a certain extent, the simplicity of what the

ordinance is doing. It does feel like a bit of a gloss that I'm asking if you could elaborate on. Because when we say remove the National Environment Policy Act language, to a lay person's ears, it

can sound troubling, and to say that it could be deemed as a choice-limiting action with choice-limiting action in quotes. Can you just speak, because I don't want to walk away from this meeting-

Right ... feeling like the step that we took put people in a position where the underlying land for their homes was fundamentally environmentally unsound. Okay. Okay. So I can clarify. Okay, here we

go. So we'll clarify. The project is currently undergoing the NEPA process, so it is definitely going through that full environmental process that are required to fulfill all the requirements of NEPA.

One thing that you-- The NEPA process has not concluded yet. So in the ordinance, some of the language there kind of assumed that the land sale is kind of like a done deal, which selling the land is

considered a choice-limiting action. So- What is a choice point of... What is a choice-limiting action? It can be a variety- I'm learning some new things today. I wish the lawyer was here to help

fully explain, but it can be a variety of things, including like selling the land. They don't want you to commit to selling the land until all of the environmental testing and the plan for remediation

is fully in place. Got it. So they don't want it to seem like you're doing... You can't sell the land until that process is concluded. So this language that we're fine-tuning and removing- Makes it

clear that they can't sell the land. The city can't dispose of the land until that process has been concluded and there's a clear plan in place, and they've gotten that approved. But they are going

through the NEPA process. Got it. And public and council should be aware that we are doing the full, as would be required- Yes ... review and remediation for this land. Correct. There we go. Thank you

so much. I appreciate the clarity. Thank you, Chair. Thank you, Alderman Espada. Any other questions, other committee members? Otherwise, can I get a motion to move on this item? So moved by Alderman

Scott. All those in favor say aye. Aye. All those opposed nay. In the opinion of the Chair, the ayes have it. The due pass recommendation of these ordinance will be substituted, will be reported out

at the next city council meeting on October 14, 2026. Item number five is an ordinance 2026-0029007, sale of city-owned property at 1335 South Springfield Avenue to MKB Business Strategies, LLC, in

the 24th Ward. Meg Gustafson from Department of Planning and Development is here to testify on behalf of this ordinance. Thank you, Meg. The floor is yours. Great. Good afternoon. Meg Gustafson, for

the record, Department of Planning. This ordinance is more of a housekeeping ordinance. It involves the sale of property associated with Henson School, which has been closed. The Board of Education

has already passed a resolution on December 18th, 2025, which some of the parcels, as part of this transaction, to rebuild this school as affordable housing. One of the parcels that's part of the

project, it was in trust by PBC, and one was in trust by the City of Chicago. So we would like to come to council here before you to ask to remove the land in trust so that this full land sale can go

forward. Henson School is just to the north on this zoning map here, and the city-owned property that's held in trust for Board of Ed is in red. Here's an aerial provided by the Board of Ed. As you

can see, the one parcel in yellow is city-owned. I think we have Alderman Scott here, whose ward this is in, to speak to this project if there are any specific questions. Thank you very much. Thank

you, Meg. Are there any questions by committee members? Alderwoman Taylor? Can you talk about what the school is going to become? Alderman Scott, you're up. The school is going to be torn down, and

it's going to be all housing, market rate and some affordable. It's approximately a stretch of one block almost, and so should be about, I'll say, about 15 houses. And this developer, we just cut the

ribbon on Tuesday for market-rate housing right in the ward on 14th and Trumbull. So, great developer, and I'm excited for the project, and I ask for your most favorable vote. Who was the developer?

Melvin Bailey. Melvin Bailey. I'm sorry. Alderman Espada? I want to- Oh, you want to go? Sorry. No. So that school comes with a parking lot and a playground. All that is being knocked down? So the

playground we did, it was by a private developer, just who wanted to see a playground up so that the kids in the area could have a playground over that way. So it was not done with any city funding.

It was done by a private developer. So the playground is staying? I don't know. I would prefer some housing, and we can do some... I have 3,000 vacant lots. We can do a playground on the next block.

What else is around the school? Nothing. So it's another empty block? A bunch of empty blocks. What's that got to do with the school? It's some housing. It's- Okay. I can't see it on the screen, so

... it's some housing. There's no more schools. I have a garden that's probably two blocks up. Nothing much. You don't see a bunch of kids unless we activate a basketball game, but you don't see many

children- Nothing much ... on the playground. We activate a lot of basketball tournaments from different groups, and different CBIs in the community. Is this your only vacant school left in your ward?

This is my one and only vacant school, yes. Thank you, Alderwoman. Thank you, Alderwoman Taylor. Alderman Espada. Super quick. Meg, maybe this is more for both my personal benefit and the public, but

when we talk about PBC, I'm assuming we're referencing the Public Buildings Commission? Correct. Sorry about that. That's all right. Just clarifying for the record. Thank you so much. Thank you,

Chair. Thank you, Alder Espada. Can I get a motion to move on this item, then? So moved by Alderperson Taylor. All those in favor say aye. Aye. All those opposed nay. In the opinion of the Chair, the

ayes have it. The due pass recommendation of these ordinance will be reported out at the next city council meeting on October 14, 2026. Item six is ordinance 2026-0029020, sale of city-owned property

at 2830 West Wilcox Street, 2860 West Sermond Road, 5016 South Christiana Avenue, 7713 South Dobson Street, 5008, 5010, 5012, 5014, 5016, and 5018 South Troop Street to various buyers under the track

block builder in various wards. Meg Gustafson again is here from DPD to present on these items. Great. Thank you very much. Meg Gustafson, Department of Planning and Development. The first item is in

the 27th Ward, 2830 West Wilcox. The applicant is Virginia Alatorre, and she lives directly across the street from this site. She's been trying to acquire it for some time and her plan is to build a

garden in partnership with the Garfield Park Community Garden Network. She plans to build 10 raised beds, a compost bin, water storage containers, and a tool shed. Here's the zoning map of the site

here. You can see Vicki's house is across the street. Here's a street view, and here's her budget. She has approximately $13,000 for this first phase. Like I said, she's working with Garfield Park

Community Council Garden Network. So she'll have help with labor and donations. She also is working with the Youth Garden Corps, which offers paid summer internships for local teens. The site will

also feature seating, and be open to the public when she's on site. I have my support letter from Alderperson Burnett here. And that concludes my presentation for Vicki's parcel. Do we want to vote on

these at the end, or should I pause for any questions between? We can answer any questions at the end of each one so that we don't forget, and then we can vote at the end, if that's okay with the

committee members, unless we have to vote on an item individually. But any questions on this particular item? No. So we can move to the... Oh, Alderwoman Taylor. Is this a garden that they're giving

away, they're selling? And are young people being mentored on this garden? Yes. So Vicki's been doing a lot of work in this community, not only taking care of land that isn't necessarily hers, but

mentoring students along the way to make sure that they can participate. This is an opportunity to have more of a permanent garden. And she indicated that she would ruin my days if this wasn't a

possibility. But more so, the work that she does with the community is extremely important, especially for the kids, so... Thank you. And I'll just add, this is being sold at 10% of market value,

which is $1,861. All right. Thank you. We can go to the next one then. Thank you, Alderperson Burnett. Great. Next is 2860 West Cermak. This land sale is for Apollo's 2000, which is a banquet hall and

an entertainment center that is well-known and landmarked, located across the street on Cermak Avenue in Little Village. This is a proposed green space. It's approximately 3,500 square feet. The site

plan, this will be sold for 10% of market value, which is about $1,400. Here's the zoning map. And here is the site. A little context here. Apollo's 2000 is on your left and was recently landmarked.

The site plan here, you'll see on the right, it looks a little bit simple because they wanted to do a flex space so that they can do lots of types of events. So there's turf and a path with, I

believe, permeable pavers. Their initial investment is about $38,000. And I know Chairman Lopez has a few words to say about this one, if you... Please go ahead. Thank you. Yeah. Thank you. And this

is a constituent that we share with the 24th Ward, where Alderperson Scott, Apollo 2000 is in the 24th Ward. The lots are in the 25th Ward. I want to share just a few words on this particular case.

The Galindez family has been, I would say, a great neighbor to the community, offering the space, helping out in different activities. More recently, they landmarked the Apollo 2000 after many years.

They take pride in the space, and they take pride in being a cultural space for the community in very difficult times. Sadly, on September 17th, Javier Galindez passed away, and he's not able to see

this fulfillment of a vision that they had for many years. So, yeah, sadly, and Alderwoman Scott and I have a great relationship with the family. We want, of course, to express not only our

condolences, but our commitment to continue working together. I cannot be more proud of spaces like Apollo 2000. So to the Galindez family, our prayers, our condolences, and our much love, and the

family has certainly been an icon and been spreading the love throughout the community. And this is, again, a fulfillment of that vision that they have worked so hard. They really have maintained this

space with a lot of sacrifice. So again, our prayers and condolences to the Galindez family. And I know that they're listening in, and that from here from Alderwoman Scott and I, I'm not sure,

Alderwoman Scott, you want to share some words about it? Definitely, we much love to the family in this moment. I share the same sentiments. A very wonderful family, very open arms to the community,

and it's a huge loss for the community because this was passed down to him, and he loved this place and including his girls and his wife. And this is a huge loss, and I didn't know. It's a shocker to

me, but I just want to extend my condolence to the family. And I do want to say that I support you on this project, and again, my condolence. Thank you, Alderwoman Scott. Any other questions on this

item? Otherwise, we can move on the next one. Thank you. Great. Thank you. Next we have 5016 South Christiana. This is actually two parcels with the same address. This is located in Alderman

Gutierrez's ward, in Gage Park. 10% of market value for both of these undersized pins is $3,461. This is essentially a side yard for the house in this photo that is on the right. They're two small

undersized pins, as you can see here. So it didn't qualify for the side yard category, and we decided to take it through as open space. Both programs are 10% of market value. Their site plan includes

the fenced area, which they have actually already fenced it, and some landscaping. Their total project costs are about $18,000. The applicant is Jesus Munoz, and he lives with his wife next door at

5012 South Christiana. And they've been taking care of these lots for over 10 years. That concludes my presentation for this item. Do we have any questions? Any questions by committee members? This is

in the 14th Ward. No? No questions. So move to the next item. Great. Thank you. The next one is 7713 South Dobson. This property, the applicant is Agatha Terry. She lives on the block and has been

trying to acquire this lot for some time. She has been maintaining it. She plans to build a community garden. She has organized the block club to keep this property clean, and she plans on continuing

that. 10% of market value is $939. This is in Alderman Harris's ward. You can see her residence on the block just south of the site. And here is the site. Agatha has worked with both the neighbors on

each side of this property. And their first phase of this plan is to complete the fence, and then add planters and a picnic table, and then some programming. That concludes my presentation for Agatha

Terry at 7713 South Dobson. I'm happy to answer any questions. This is in the Eighth Ward. I know Alderwoman Harris is online. I'm not sure if she wants anything. Hi. Alderwoman Harris. Full support

of this. Mrs. Terry has taken care of that lot for several years now, and it would just be appropriate for her to use it as for the community and for block use. Thank you all. Hope you all can vote

favorably for this for me, please. Sounds good. Nothing, I think, on this item. So we got the final one. One more item, Meg. Great. Thank you very much. This item is in Alderwoman Taylor's ward. Oh,

wait, sorry, hold on. Yeah, this is Alderwoman Taylor. This is the wrong one. Let me keep going. Maybe mine is next. Uh-oh. I seem to be missing one. Maybe I'll send it down and come back for you. Or

we could just talk about it, since I have Alderwoman Taylor here. The United Human Services Center has applied for 5008 through 5018 South Troop Street. This is eight parcels, and an existing garden

that has been in use for about 10 years. The United Human Services has an existing garden. They want to formalize this by purchasing the eight lots for 10% of market value. They have worked with the

alderman and the community process. And the sale price for all eight lots is $5,598. And we feel that they are great for the community, and they do food pantry work, et cetera. If Alderwoman Taylor

would like to speak on this, please. So Mr. Akpan is a gentleman who's from Africa, who has a garden, who serves that part of the community. It's the back of the yard. It's a Black and Latino

community, and so he makes sure he feeds everybody. And so he was promised these lots way before Alderwoman Taylor even got into office, even to the point him and another gardener were fighting over

this land. And so it took Mr. Akpan some time. I have a community process where you got to have at least 50 people vote, and Mr. Akpan couldn't get it because a lot of the folks that he served,

they're not citizens, and they're not comfortable giving out their information. And notably so because this is where some of that work that they were doing against migrants was happening in this part

of the community. So I understood why he couldn't get it, but I put him back in six months. Him and State Representative Sonya Harper did the work to make sure that he had 50 people to show up. And so

I appreciate Mr. Akpan for what he does for the community. He does show up. He does participate, even if it has nothing to do with the gardens, and this is just a way to give him back something that

he's invested in. He's invested so much in the garden that he allowed other gardeners to use the space, and they got actually grants For his gardens. It was a mess, but this is the way to make it

right with Ms. Archon, and so I ask that you all support this. Thank you. Thank you, Alderman Taylor. Any questions on this item? This is the final item. So move by Alderperson Gallo. All those in

favor say aye. All those opposed say nay. In the opinion of the mayor and the chair, the ayes have it, and the DUPI's recommendation of these ordinance will be reported out as substituted at the next

city council meeting on October 14th, 2026. Item seven is an ordinance 2026-0029009, sale of city-owned property at 1948 West 63rd Street to Reynoso Insulation LLC under Tri-Block Builder in the 16th

Ward. Taylor Thompson from DPD is here to testify on this ordinance. Good afternoon. For the record, my name is Taylor Thompson from the Department of Planning and Development. This item is the

proposed sale of two city-owned lots at 1946 and 1948 West 63rd Street. In terms of the project location, this property consists of two city lots in West Englewood, located in the 16th Ward. The

combined market valuation is $18,006, which is also the sales price. The applicant, Reynoso Insulation, is seeking to purchase the lots to support their adjacent insulation business by using the land

for commercial vehicle parking. There is no funding request, and closing is expected to close within 90 days. In terms of Reynoso Insulation, they're an active local business operating next door.

Acquiring these lots will support their daily needs and help maintain efficient operations. In terms of the aerial, the lot's directly adjacent of the existing business operations. So the business is

here, the two city lots are immediately adjacent to the west. In terms of the street view, the west zoning change from RS3 to C2-1 to permit the project. In terms of their site plan, that concludes my

presentation. Happy to answer any questions. Thank you. Are there any questions from committee members? No. Let's can I have a motion to move on this item? Do we have a letter of support from the 16th

Ward? Yes. Yes, we do. Alderman Burnett. It's moved by Alderman Burnett. All those in favor say aye. All those opposed nay. In the opinion of the chair, the ayes have it. The DUPI's recommendation of

this item will be reported out at the next city council meeting on October 14, 2026. Item 8 is an ordinance 2026-0029010, sale of city-owned property at 2054 and 2058 West Warren Boulevard to EGP

Warren Apartments LLC under Tri-Block Builder in the 27th Ward. Seth Thomas from DPD to present on this item. Hi. Good morning. For the record, I'm Seth Thomas, planner five for the land sales team in

the Department of Planning and Development. So again, this is a market rate land sale at 2054 and 58 West Warren Boulevard. It was part of the April 2024 Chi Block Builder round. This is located in

the 27th Ward. Alderman Walter Burnett Jr. is in support, on the near west side, and the request is a new residential condominium building with 20 dwelling units. For site context, it's about a 60 by

124 and some change foot lot, total square footage of about 7,455 square feet. Again, the market value is $315,315, which is also the purchase price. So, this is the first of two developments that

will be coming from this applicant. The one outlined in red is the one before us, 54 and 58. The site is currently zoned RT4, and the applicant will be, through the permitting process, requesting a

zoning change to RM-5, which will also be-- And this lot that's outlined in blue will be the other development, which will also get RM-5 zoning. So here's just a picture of the site from the corner of

North Hoyne and West Warren, just for some additional context. So, the total project cost is about $3.7 million. And in terms of their funding, this project has about 20% equity and 80% loans to make

up the budget. And here's the site plan. So again, right on the corner of Hoyne and Warren. A four-story building, 20 units. Four of those units will be ARO units or affordable units. This is the

elevation of the property from Warren facing north. This is the elevation of the rear of the building. This is the elevation facing Hoyne Avenue. Or excuse me, this is the elevation facing Hoyne

Avenue. The other one was the internal elevation. This is, again, the layout of the vertical circulation, and the corridors along with the lobby. And here is the first floor plan of the layout. These

units will all be the ARO units and accessible units as is required per the ARO ordinance. And then this is the floor plan of the second, third, and fourth floor. And I'll finish with some renderings,

and certainly open for any questions. Thank you. Thank you, Seth. Are there any questions by committee members? So move by Alderperson Scott. All those in favor say aye. All those opposed say nay. In

the opinion of the chair, the ayes have it. The DUPI's recommendation with these items will be reported out at the next city council meeting on October 14th, 2026. Item 9 is ordinance 2026-0029012,

sale of city-owned property at 4927, 4935, and 4937 South Forestville Avenue to TK Palos LLC under Tri-Block Builder in the 4th Ward. Thomas Bellino again from DPD to present on this item. Hello.

Thank you. For the record, I'm Thomas Bellino from DPD, requesting authorization for the sale of city-owned land at 4927 through 39 South Forestville. The project is located in the 4th Ward, and we

have a letter of support from Alderman Robinson from last month. It's in the Grand Boulevard community area in the Southeast planning region. It constitutes three city lots. The applicant is offering

the market value price of $301,028 for all parcels together. And the developer is TK Palos LLC, associated with Tom Petergiannis, who is here today to answer any questions if you may have them. The

total development cost is proposed at $1.56 million. Other projects that this applicant has worked on are moving along, one with myself and one with my colleague, Seth. And this is the site as it is

today. You can see there's two existing buildings on either side. The zoning is RM-5 currently, and there is no proposed change. And the applicant is proposing construction of two eight-unit masonry

residential buildings with two garages for two cars each, and a parking pad for four cars in addition to those. The lots all together are about 90 feet by 125 feet. And the total development area will

be just shy of 20,000 square feet. There's a budget proposal breakdown there. You can see this is funded entirely through cash equity. And this is a site plan of the site. You can see those identical

buildings there with the Forestville Avenue on the left and the alley on the right with those garages and parking pads, as well as bicycle parking. These are the street-facing elevations, the side and

rear elevation, and the floor plans, which will be identical for all of them. So happy to go back and answer any questions if you may have them. Any questions by committee members? Alderman Dowell.

Mr. Bellino, I can't see the screen here. Okay. Can you just go back to the other projects that this person has? Oh, yeah. They're in- One of them was in my ward, but I wanted to... The one on

Vincennes? Four. Okay, thank you. Sure. Any other-- So move Alderwoman Dowell. All those in favor say "aye." All those opposed say "nay." In the opinion of the chair, the ayes have it, the due-- the

due pass recommendation of these ordinance will be reported out at the next city council meeting on October 14, 2026. Item ten is an ordinance 2026B-0029011, sale of city-owned property at 4549 South

Indiana Avenue to Click Development LLC. 4549 Indiana under the Chic Block Builder in the Third Ward. Thomas Bellino, again from DPD to present on this item. Thank you. Again, for the record, this is

Thomas Bellino, a planner at DPD, requesting authorization for sale of city-owned land at 4549 South Indiana Avenue. Um, the project is located in the Third Ward, and we have a letter of support from

Alderwoman Dowell, um, in the Grand Boulevard Community area in the Southeast planning region. The applicant, uh, who is, uh, Click Development, um, associated with Craig Yarbrough, um, is offering

the market value price of $203,241, uh, with a total development cost of almost three million. And the applicant is in attendance today, if, uh, you have any questions for him. Um, he has other, uh,

three other projects, uh, with the city, um, one of which, uh, is closing right now, one has already closed, and one is just getting started with my, uh, colleague, Raquel. This is the site, um, as it

is today. There's between two existing buildings. Um, the zoning is RM-5, and there is no proposed change to that. Uh, the applicant is proposing construction of a 16-unit residential building and

parking pad for six cars, and there will be approximately two ARO units included. Uh, the lot dimensions, it's a double lot, it's fifty feet by a hundred and sixty-two and a half feet, and the

proposed, uh, development square footage is fifteen thousand eight hundred and forty-eight. There is a, uh, budget here. You can see it's about twenty-three percent equity and seventy-seven percent

bank financing. Um, this is a site plan with Indiana Avenue on the left and the alley on the right, um, and the parking pad on the right as well. This is a front elevation, um, on the street-facing

side. This is the rear elevation facing the alley and the one-side elevation and the other side. Um, this is the floor plan for the garden level and the floor plans for the first through third floors.

So happy to go back and answer any questions, um, or, uh, go back to any slides you want to see again. Alderman Dowell. Yes, thank you, Mr. Chairman. I just, I just wanted to say publicly to, uh, Mr.

Yarbrough, thank you for your investment in the community. I appreciate that, uh, you were patient as we tried to come up with a, a design that was in context, in context with the surrounding

neighborhood, and I thank you for what you're presenting here today, and I look forward to this development going on. Thank you. Thank you. So do we have a motion to move, um, to move? Alderwoman

Scott. All those in favor say "aye." All those opposed say "nay." In the opinion of the chair, the ayes have it, the due pass recommendation of this ordinance will be reported out at the next city

council meeting on October fourteenth, 2026. Item 11 is an ordinance 2026B-0029016, sale of city-owned property at 3729, 3731, and 3733 South Giles Avenue to Iron Eagle LLC under Chic Block Builder,

also in the Third Ward. Ernest Bellamy from DPD is here to present on this item. Hey, good afternoon, um, Chairman Cecilia Lopez and members of the committee. For the record, my name is Ernest

Bellamy. I'm a land-- a development land sales city planner in the Department of Planning and Development. I bring forward to you today a request for disposition of one city parcel at 3729 South Giles

Avenue. Uh, the applicant, uh, was not able to make it to today's meeting, um, just for awareness. Uh, overall, the land disposition, uh, is within the Third Ward, Alderwoman Pat Dowell in the Douglas

community area of the Southeast planning region. The disposition consists of three city lots under RM-5 zoning. In October 2025, Chic Block Builder applicant, the purchaser, uh, Jay Clark of Iron

Eagle LLC, is a longtime developer, uh, within the area, um, who's utilized, um, uh, Iron Eagle LLC, um, as well as Jet Properties LLC, uh, for developments, uh, within the area. On September 10th,

Alderwoman Dowell provided a letter of support for the land disposition. As an overview, the purchaser is proposing to develop three, three new, um, three-unit, three-story residential buildings with

a three-car garage. The applicant's offer amount of $250,000 was $27,794 above the market value sale price for the city lots in total. Total project cost for the proposed development will be $2.65

million, with a construction timeline of six months to commence one month after closing. The city lot is located within the 3700 block of South Giles Avenue. The combined lot dimensions are roughly 75

feet by 124.15 feet. The land disposition net area is 9,258 square feet. For greater site context, the parcel is within the Douglas community area. The site is a transit-served location, located just

under half a mile walking distance from the CTA Green Line Indiana station and served by multiple CTA bus lines within a two-block radius. Furthermore, the parcel for disposition resides across the

street from Ida B. Wells Elementary and is centered within a block of predominantly residential buildings with vacant lots under development interspersed between. Transitioning to the street view of

the site along South Giles Avenue, we can get a better sense of the parcel in context to the immediate surrounding, um, recently completed residential developments. As seen in this elevation, uh, the

proposal will span three floors and contain three units. All three buildings will be, uh, identical in look to what you're seeing here on the screen. Mm-hmm. Uh, once more, as a October 2025 Chic

Block Builder applicant, the purchaser has gone through DPD's review process for applicability to zoning and design standards for the development. Moving on to the site plan, um, the overall site plan

shows the layout of the three residential buildings which front South Giles Avenue. The s- the site will have a three-car parking garage accessible from the alleys. Next are the floor plans. From left

to right is the first floor, consisting of a three-bed, two-bath unit, uh, the second floor, also consisting of a three-bed, three, two-bath unit, and finally, the third floor, uh, once more

consisting of a three-bed, two-bath unit. Moving on to the elevations, uh, the materiality of the building will be brick frame and stone on the front facade and- Which will wrap to the sides four

feet, and the side facade and rear facade will be consisting of smooth tri-block with a silicone waterproofing. Lastly are the sources and uses figures for the total project cost. Here concludes my

presentation. I'll hold here for any questions from the committee. Any questions from committee members? So moved. Alderman Burnett. Thank you for showing the layout. I noticed that one building

adjacent to the site was recently constructed. Was that through Chi Block Builder as well? Thank you for the question, Alderman Burnett. That immediate proposal development was not through Chi Block

Builder. Nice. Oh. Separately, so does that mean the land adjacent to this, if you go back to the map, I guess to the right on this image, is that city-owned or is that also private? Yeah. That would

be city-owned, given the- Oh, okay. This is me being- Alderman Dowell ... I will talk to the chairwoman. Alderman Dowell, please. Mm-hmm. This guy is new building in our community, as far as I recall,

right? Jay has a history of, I would say, the GC that he works with, as well as his father, have historical building precedent within the South Side. But not here. Not in my ward, I don't think. Uh-

I'm not positive. But anyway, my goal was to let me see what you can do, and then we can talk about the third lot. Thank you. You're welcome. Thank you, Alderman. Hello. So now we can move with-- So

move Alderman Scott. All those in favor say aye. All those opposed say nay. And depending on the chair, the ayes have it. The due pass recommendation with these orders will be reported out at the next

city council meeting on October 14th, 2026. Item 12 is ordinance 2026-0029017, sale of city-owned property at 1509 East 67th Place to 1509 East 57th Place LLC and the Chi Block Builder in the fifth

ward. Ernest Bellamy from DPD to present on design. Good afternoon once more, Chairman Sergio Lopez and members of the committee. For the record, once more, my name is Ernest Bellamy. I'm a

development land sales city planner in the Department of Planning and Development. I bring forward to you today a request for disposition of one city parcel at 1509 East 67th Place. In attendance to

my left is Sean Masters of the 1509 East 67th Place LLC. The location of this disposition is within the fifth ward, Alderman Desmond Yancey, within the South Shore community area of the Southeast

Planning region. The disposition consists of one city lot under RM-5 zoning. As a November 2022 Chi Block Builder applicant, the purchasers, Sarah Shawani and Sean Masters, are longtime developers

with a robust rehab portfolio within the South and West sides. On September 4th, Alderman Yancey provided a letter of support for the land disposition. As an overview, the purchasers are proposing to

develop three new, well, one building consisting of a three-unit, three-story residential building with a three-car parking pad in the rear. The applicant's offer amount of $44,856 matched the market

value sale price for the city lot. The total project cost for the proposed development will be $928,856, with a construction timeline of 18 months to commence three months after closing. The city

lot-- Oh. Right here is the budget for the proposed development. The city lot is located within the 1500 block of East 67th Place. The combined lot dimensions are roughly 30 feet by 124.6 feet. The

land disposition net area is 3,738 square feet. For greater site context of the parcel within the South Shore community area, the site is a transit-served location located just under one-half of a

mile walking distance from the Metra Electric Stony Island station and served by multiple CTA bus lines within a one-block radius. Furthermore, the parcel for disposition resides within a block of

predominantly residential buildings of the three- and six-flat variety, and a row house complex immediately to the west of the site. Transitioning to the street view of the site along East 67th Place,

we can get a better sense of the parcel in the context of the immediate surrounding residential developments. As seen in this 3D perspective, the proposal will span three floors and contain three

units. Once more, as a November 2022 Chi Block Builder applicant, the purchaser has gone through DPD's review process for applicability to zoning and design standards for the development. Moving on to

the site plan. The site plan shows the layout of the residential building, which fronts East 67th Place. The site will have a three-car parking pad accessible from the alleyway. Next are the floor

plans. From left to right is a duplex down unit, starting with the basement floor plan consisting of a rec room and two beds and two baths. Next is the first floor, consisting of two beds and two

baths, along with the living and dining room spaces. And then the second and third floors will consist of an identical two-bed, two-bath unit layout. Moving forward to the elevations. Seen here, the

materiality of the building will be a brick frame with stone on the front facade and brick on the side and rear elevations. Here concludes my presentation. I'll hold here for any questions from the

committee. Any questions from committee members? What took so long? Um. This was done in 2022. Yes. That was- That was actually my con-- I've been wondering the same thing. I was wondering the same

thing. I have no idea. The city was-- I've-- That's, beats me. And for the record, can you just, your name and title, sir. Just for the record. Sean Masters, and I'm the owner/developer. Yes. There he

is. Yes, Sean Masters, owner/developer. But style I-- Same. I was wondering also when I first-- because this was the first rollout- Yeah ... for the lots. Even my barber at the time, which I've

changed now twice, he applied and six months later he-- Two years for me. I don't know. I don't know if I was special or, I don't know. I've been wondering the same thing. Well, congratulations.

Congratulations. Thank you. Thank you. I've been wondering too. Just to add a little bit of context for the total development. Wait a minute. Yep. And I also want to say, that was a really good

question, because I was just asking Ernest. Over these two years, the- The price for the lot went up exponentially. So that also affected me, but I'm a proponent of the ward, and I definitely wanted

to do something. So that was the main question I asked also, because it went up tremendously from what the initial applicant purchase price was. And I'll add from the initial application to the

current application, they did come in with a higher unit count, which triggered the Lakefront Protection Ordinance, which involves an additional step of review. Subsequently, through the process, they

revised down to this current proposal, which is under the threshold for Lakefront Protection. Okay. Thank you. Thank you so much. So moved by Alderman Dowell. All those in favor say aye. All those

opposed nay. In the opinion of the chair, the ayes have it. The due pass recommendation of these ordinances will be reported out at the next city council meeting on October 14th, 2026. Our last item

is ordinance 2026-0029018. Sale of city-owned property at 4849, 4853, and 4857 West Weston Avenue to Medlock Development LLC under Chic Block Builder in the 28th Ward. Ernest Bellamy, here from DPD to

present on this item. Good afternoon once more, Chairman Cecilia Lopez and members of the committee. Once more, for the record, my name is Ernest Bellamy, Development Land Sales City Planner in the

Department of Planning and Development. I bring forward to you today a request for disposition of three city parcels at 4849 through 57 West Weston Avenue. In attendance to my left is Keon Medlock of

Medlock Development and Medlock Construction. The location for this disposition is within the 28th Ward, Alderman Jason Ervin, within the Austin Community Area of the West Planning region. The

disposition consists of three city lots under RT4 zone. In October 2025, Chic Block Builder applicant, the purchaser, Medlock Development LLC, is a long-standing, GC under Medlock Construction,

building multiple developments for other developers within the West Side. On July 31st, Alderman Ervin provided a letter of support for the land disposition. As an overview, the purchaser is proposing

to develop three new buildings. Two buildings with six units of residential housing and one building of three units. For a total of 15 units, all with a parking pad in the rear of their respective

buildings for the total parking count of 15 parking spaces. The applicant's offer amount of $90,001 matched the market value sale price of the city lot. Total project cost for the proposed development

will be $2.75 million with a construction timeline of 12 months to commence one month after closing. Before moving on to the city lot, here's the project budget for the proposed development. Moving

forward, the city lot is located within the 4800 block of West Weston Ave. The combined lot dimensions are roughly 125 feet by 180 feet. The land disposition net area is 22,501 square foot. For

greater site context, the parcel is within the Austin Community Area. The site is a transit serve location located just over a quarter-mile walking distance from the CTA Green Line Cicero station and

served by multiple CTA TSL bus lines within a two-block radius. Furthermore, the parcels for disposition reside within a block of predominantly residential buildings with a few vacant lots

interspersed throughout. Transitioning to the street view of the site along the intersection of West Weston Ave and North Lamon Ave, we can get a better sense of the parcel in context with the

immediate surrounding residential developments. As seen in this series of 3D perspectives, the proposal will span three floors and contain six units for the 4849 and 4857 buildings, while having three

units for the 4853 building. As an October 2025 Chic Block Builder applicant, the purchaser has gone through DPD's review process for applicability to zoning and design standards for development. The

overall site plan shows the layout of the three residential buildings, which front West Weston Ave. The site will have a one-to-one parking ratio, parking pad configuration in the rear of each

building. The parking pad will be accessible from the alley. And once more, there will be a total of 15 parking spaces. Next are the floor plans, starting with the 4849 West Weston Ave building. Or

actually, this is more of an immediate site plan for the 4849 West Weston Ave building to understand the six-unit layout in relation to its pin. Next is more zoomed in, the 4853 West Weston Ave parcel

and development of the three-unit building and its layout on the site. And lastly, the 4857 West Weston six-unit configuration at the intersection of West Weston and North Lamon Ave. Next are the

floor plans, starting with 4849 West Weston. From left to right is the first floor consisting of two units. The first floor plan consisting of two units configured in a three-bed, two-bath layout, and

the second and third floors similarly following that two-unit configuration with a three-bed, two-bath layout. Moving on next to the 4853 West Weston Ave building. Here, from left to right, starting

with the first floor, you'll get a sense of the three-bed, two-bath layout on this floor. Second and third floors similarly follow the same format of a three-bed, two-bath layout. And lastly, the 4857

West Weston Ave floor plans similarly showing a layout consistent with the 4849 West Weston Ave building that will feature a two-unit-per-floor layout of three-bed, two-bath. The elevations are seen

here. The materiality of the buildings will be brick veneer with a cement panel and glass fiber rail for the front facades, and horizontal cement siding for the side and rear facades. And I'll flip

through the other elevations for the other buildings here. Alderman Dowell. Mm-hmm. Yeah. I have just one question, Mr. Bellamy. Yes. I thought the department policy was to have a brick on the-- When

you're on a corner site, this is a corner site, right? Yes. So to have a brick facing, a full brick face on the elevation that faces the street on the corner side, not the front door. Yep. Is that

still the city policy? It is still the city policy. And thank you for the question, and thank you for that clarification on the 4857 West Weston Ave elevation. We will work with the applicant to

ensure that the site elevation, which is fronting North Lamon Avenue, is consistent with that policy. But it's not shown here. Am I correct? This is correct. In these exhibits, it is not shown. Okay,

and is the applicant aware that that's the city policy? Yes. Oh, go ahead. Yep. This may be an-- Apologies if this elevation set is a bit dated, but they were in agreement that this will meet the

brick facade. All right. Thank you. Thank you, Alderman Dowell. Any other questions, committee members? So it's going to move by Alderman Dowell. All those in favor say aye. All those opposed nay. In

the opinion of the chair, the ayes have it. The due pass recommendation of these ordinances will be reported out at the next city council meeting on October 14, 2026. There being no further business

in the committee, can I get a motion to adjourn? So moved by Alderman Burnett. All those in favor say aye. And all those in favor? All those in favor have it. And the meeting of the Housing and Real

Estate has been adjourned. Thank you so much.