c/o North Star Mission

1414 South Hamlin Contact: Valerie F. Leonard

Chicago, IL 60623 773-521-3137
773-522-7610

Letter to the Editor

Open Letter to Alderman Sharon D. Dixon and Alderman Ricardo Munoz
Regarding the Proposed Ogden-Pulaski TIF Ordinance
We are very concerned that the Proposed Ogden-Pulaski TIF Redevelopment Plan is being advanced without
systems in place to ensure maximum benefit to North Lawndale residents—particularly those that will live within the
boundaries of the TIF once it is implemented. Unfortunately, wealthy individuals, foundations and influential
nonprofits have a greater voice in our community’s development than local tax payers, who must foot the
$300,000,000+ bill for the TIF.

This is particularly distressing in the wake of the largest property tax hike in the City’s history. As it is, our residents
are already struggling with mortgage foreclosure and artificially high housing costs. If we are not careful, we could
have a situation where low-moderate income residents are financing their own displacement, while paying for new
residents to pursue the American Dream.

Unfortunately, the Proposed Ogden-Pulaski TIF is being advanced to the City Council with a number of errors in
property lists, and without the benefit of a TIF Advisory Council. Moreover, many of the concerns we have raised
since May, 2007 have not been fully addressed. We respectfully request that the ordinance governing the Proposed
Ogden-Pulaski TIF Redevelopment Plan (and other ordinances if necessary) include language to ensure the
following:

1) City land purchases on a voluntary basis as opposed to eminent domain.

2) The Acquisition List and list of Housing Potentially Displaced are error free (before ordinance is ratified).
3) The City includes resident input in the Redevelopment Plan and Redevelopment Budget
4) Governance by a TIF Advisory Council comprised of a broad base of community stakeholders, with
representation proportionate to land mass from each respective ward; and diversity in backgrounds and
skill sets.
5) Reinstatement of the Lawndale Community Conservation Council to coordinate all development activities
in North Lawndale.
6) A broad base of community stakeholders is convened to negotiate community benefits agreements
7) There are systems of accountability put in place with respect to financial performance of the TIF; job
creation for local residents, new business development for local residents; affordable housing and holistic
community development.
A small group from the Lawndale Alliance met with Alderman Dixon on March 6, 2008 to review our concerns.
Unfortunately Alderman Dixon cut this meeting to 15 minutes because she had another engagement. None of our
issues were resolved. We attempted to schedule a town hall meeting for March 18, 2008 so both aldermen could
address the issues with the community. Unfortunately, we were unable to get a confirmation from Alderman Munoz in
time. Alderman Dixon indicated that she would not participate in the town hall meeting without Alderman Munoz.
Alderman Dixon should not wait for Alderman Munoz to have a meeting on the Proposed Ogden-Pulaski TIF with
residents of the 24th Ward. Seventy-seven percent (77%) of the land area, and property taxes will be generated from
the 24th Ward. This gives her the power. However, Alderman Munoz appears to be in control. While we recognize
that Alderman Dixon needs Alderman Munoz to get things done in City Council, her relationship with him should not
take priority over her responsibility to represent her constituents’ interests. We hope to host a town hall meeting with
both aldermen to resolve these issues before the April City Council Finance Committee meeting.
Sincerely,

THE LAWNDALE ALLIANCE