FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 2nd, 2016

CONTACT
Tim Nazanin, 847-312-1082
tim@newchicagollc.com
Julio Guerrero, 312-802-6327
jguerrero@resurrectionproject.org

Pilsen Land Use Committee Host Press Conference in

Support of Rezone at 18th and Peoria Development Site
Speakers highlight community solidarity for affordable housing
CHICAGO Members of the Pilsen Land Use Committee (PLUC) as well as
other community members held a press conference at City Hall in support of
the rezone of the vacant parcel of land located at 18th St. and Peoria St.
Earlier in the day, the Committee on Zoning voted to approve the proposed
rezoning of the land from residential to industrial. The rezoning will allow
community members more time to provide valuable input to work with any
developer on what the parcel of land should be used for in the future.
We applaud Alderman Solis and the Committee on Zoning for their
decision, said Raul Raymundo, CEO of The Resurrection Project. This
action will allow time for the community to develop a plan for the site that
benefits the whole neighborhood and respects Pilsens culture, character and
vitality.
This site represents a tremendous economic development opportunity for
Pilsen families, said Alex Esparza, Executive Director of the Eighteenth
Street Development Corporation. When developed, the site will bring
hundreds of jobs to Pilsen and prospects for local businesses. A community
plan will allow the neighborhood to maximize the impact of the site and work
with developers that respect the best interests of the community.
Ive lived in Pilsen for 50 years, and now more than ever Pilsen is facing an
affordable housing crisis, said Teresa Fraga, Board Member of the Pilsen
Neighbors Community Council. The Pilsen Land Use Committees decision to
block the last development proposal and Alderman Solis decision to rezone
the land shows that Pilsen is serious about affordable housing"
The built environment plays a tremendous role in peoples health
outcomes, said Esther Corpuz, CEO of the Alivio Medical Center. Pilsen

residents want to shape their neighborhood. A balanced, community-driven

plan for this site is healthy and will improve Pilsens social fabric.
The PLUC did not approve the plans for a developer to build more than 500
units of housing as a result of several considerations, including not providing
21% affordable housing, which is a requirement set by the group and
Alderman Solis for any residential development in Pilsen of eight units of
more requiring a zoning change.
Alderman Solis launched the Pilsen Land Use Committee in partnership with
respected neighborhood organizations to advise his office on future
development projects. These organizations include The Pilsen Neighbors
Community Council, 18th Street Development Corporation, Alivio Medical
Center, and The Resurrection Project. PLUCs main charge is reviewing
housing developments proposals that consist of 8 or more units and require a
zoning change while ensuring the proposals comply with affordable housing
guidelines.
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