Humboldt Park Quality of Life Plan May 2005

Bickerdike Redevelopment Corporation | LISC/Chicago’s New Communities Program QUALITY-OF-LIFE PLAN MAY 2005 HUMBOLDT PARK : Staking Our Claim PLANNING TASK FORCE Humboldt Park

Bickerdike Redevelopment Corporation worked in partnership with the Jim Lemondides Greater North-Pulaski Development Corporation Madeline Roman-Vargas Wright College/Humboldt Park Vocational Near Northwest Neighborhood Network/Humboldt Park Empowerment Carol Lee Lopez Nobel Elementary School Education Center Partnership, West Humboldt Park Family and Community Development Obed Lopez Citizens Health Organization Anne Russett Youth Service Project Council, Nobel Neighbors and 42 other organizations to develop this quality-of-life plan. The organizers gratefully acknowledge the following Commander Robert Lopez Chicago Police Department 13th District Enrique Salgado Division Street Business Development Association people for the time, energy and resources given to this process. Jim Lundeen Nobel Neighbors Julie Samuels Openlands Project Deputy Chief Maria Maher Chicago Police Department Area 5 Patrol Division Officer Cathy Sandow Chicago Police Department 25th District Task Force Members Maggie Martinez Block Club Federation John Stultz Garfield Area Partnership Commander Dan Alvarado Chicago Police Department 25th District Eliud Medina Near Northwest Neighborhood Network Dan Valliere Chicago Commons-West Humboldt Kathy Anderson West Humboldt Park Family and Community Alderman Emma Mitts 37th Ward Efrain Vargas Bickerdike Redevelopment Corporation Development Council Lydia Molina Growing Pride Ray Wang North Central District Health Council Joy Aruguete Bickerdike Redevelopment Corporation (Chair) Luis Monterrubio Department of Planning & Development Laura Weathered Near Northwest Arts Council, Humboldt Park Commander Salvador Avila Chicago Police Department 14th District Dean Morris Nobel Neighbors Economic Development Corp. Mary Bonome Department of Planning and Development Jennette Moton K.A.F.T. 4 Unity Neighborhood Organization (Co-Chair) Norman White Department of Planning & Development Doris Brown Chicago Commons-West Humboldt Park Keith Muhammad K.A.F.T. 4 Unity Neighborhood Organization Ferdinand Wipachit Phoenix Military Academy Alderman Walter Burnett, Jr. 27th Ward Jane Norton Hispanic Housing Development Corporation Xichel Woods Erie Family Health Center Michael Burton Bickerdike Redevelopment Corporation Alderman Billy Ocasio 26th Ward Junirose Zaide Norwegian American Hospital Guilibaldo Criollo Youth Service Project Eduardo Padro United Blocks of West Humboldt Park Carmen Curet Youth Service Project Miguel Palacio Association House of Chicago NNNN/HPEP Housing Action Team Members Joyce Fernandes architreasures Idida Perez West Town Leadership United Erica Alcibar Metropolitan Tenants Organization Sol Flores La Casa Norte Bettye Pulphus 37th Ward John Bartlett Metropolitan Tenants Organization Floyd Gardner Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago Lori Ramos Centro San Bonifacio Michael Burton Bickerdike Redevelopment Corporation Vicki Hadaway Casa Central Niuris Ramos Near Northwest Neighborhood Network Mark Fick Chicago Mutual Housing Network Abigail Harlan Morse Tech/YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago Lowell Rice Greater North-Pulaski Development Corporation Sol Flores La Casa Norte Willie Harvey 11th District Men’s Club Kelsa Rieger West Humboldt Park Family and Community Min. Frankie Freeney Nobel Neighbors Officer Brian Hoffman Chicago Police Department 25th District Development Council Hector Gamboa Spanish Coalition for Housing Sherry Hooker Bickerdike Redevelopment Corporation Officer Yvonne Robinson Chicago Police Department 11th District Lauren Gutterman La Casa Norte Bill Howard West Humboldt Park Family and Community Officer Milton Robles Chicago Police Department 13th District Juanita Irizarry Latinos United (Co-chair) Development Council Daisy Rodriguez Erie Family Health Center Teresa Lambarry Spanish Coalition for Housing Juanita Irizarry Latinos United Gabriela Roman Near Northwest Neighborhood Network Teofilo Lopez Near Northwest Neighborhood Network Commander James Jackson Chicago Police Department 11th District Lucy Roman Youth Service Project Reid Mackin West Humboldt Park Family and Community Cheryl Kelly Bickerdike Affordable Housing Committee Sabina Romanowska Wright College/Humboldt Park Vocational Development Corporation Education Center Laura Malyj Cole Taylor Bank

© 2005 LISC/Chicago Nita Marchant Pro Center Erick Blanco Charter One Bank Crime and Safety Sub-committee Maggie Martinez Block Club Federation Kate Johnson ACCION Chicago (Americans for Community Martin Castillo Parents and Neighbors in Action Association Pablo Medina Bickerdike Redevelopment Corporation Co-operation In Other Nations) Harry Egipciaco 1100 North Harding Block Club Ofelia Navarro Spanish Coalition for Housing Frank Lugo Integrated Technologies Providers Reinalda Egipciaco 1100 North Harding Block Club Eduardo Padro United Blocks of West Humboldt Park Reid Mackin West Humboldt Park Family and Community John Hobbs Bickerdike Redevelopment Corporation Antonio Ramon JPMorgan Chase (Co-chair) Development Council Jose Martinez Parents and Neighbors in Action Association Julie Samuels Openlands Project Nelida Martinez Viva Family Center Head Start Maggie Martinez Block Club Federation Seccuocoria Stanley Neighborhood Housing Services Monika Moreno Integrated Technologies Providers Jennette Moton K.A.F.T. 4 Unity Block Club Margaret Starou Resident Sam Pearson Near Northwest Neighborhood Network Kelsa Reiger West Humboldt Park Family and Community Barbara Watkins United Blocks of West Humboldt Park Antonio Ramon JPMorgan Chase Development Council Niuris Ramos Near Northwest Neighborhood Network Lucy Roman Youth Service Project NNNN/HPEP Employment Skills Action Team Members Lowell Rice Greater North-Pulaski Development Corporation (Co-chair) Dena Al-Khatib Bickerdike Redevelopment Corporation Enrique Salgado Jr. Division Street Business Development Association (Chair) Health Committee Teresa Connell STRIVE Inc. Pete Schmugge North-Pulaski Armitage Chamber of Commerce James Alexander Otho S.A. Sprague Memorial Institute Renee Daye Youth Service Project Maria Elena Arpin Infant Welfare Society Antoinette Jackson Near Northwest Neighborhood Network Education Committee Rob Bisceglie Infant Welfare Society Marcos Jacome Health Alternatives System, Inc. Pat Daniels Nobel Neighbors Bob Browne Resurrection Health Care/St. Elizabeth and St. Mary of Barbara Krzewinska Humboldt Park Vocational Educational College Minister Frankie Freeney Nobel Neighbors Nazareth Hospitals Zenaida Lopez Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration Carol Lee Lopez Nobel Elementary School Eddie Correa Casa Central William Molina Greater West Town Development Corporation Idida Perez West Town Leadership United Jamie Delgado UIC Community Outreach Intervention Project Jane Norton Hispanic Housing Development Corporation (Chair) Kelsa Rieger West Humboldt Park Family and Community Frank Diaz, Jr. Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration Laura Oswald Erie Neighborhood House Development Council Vicki Hadaway Casa Central Miguel Palacio Association House of Chicago Gladys Rivera Lowell Elementary School Heather Hastings Resident Rocio Restrepo Association House of Chicago Ferdinand Wipachit Phoenix Military Academy Carol Lee Lopez Citizens Health Organization (Co-chair) Enid Rivera Illinois Department of Human Services Obed Lopez Citizens Health Organization Sabina Romanowska Wright College/Humboldt Park Vocational Education Focus Groups Omar Lopez CALOR Education Center We would also like to thank and acknowledge the principals, Jess Lynch North Central District Health Council Xichel Woods Erie Family Health Center teachers, school staff, parents and students from Lowell Miguel Morales Co-op Humboldt Park Elementary School, Von Humboldt Elementary School, Nobel Elementary Miguel Palacio Association House NNNN/HPEP Economic Development Action Team Members School, Phoenix Military Academy and Morse Tech Elementary School Idida Perez West Town Leadership United Dena Al-Khatib Bickerdike Redevelopment Corporation who participated in our Education Focus Groups including group Sylvia Peters Chicago/Cook Co. Community Health Council Maddi Amill Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration facilitator, Alisú Schuoa-Glusberg. Lori Ramos Centro San Bonifacio Daisy Rivera West Town Leadership United Bettina Savage Nobel Neighbors Jessie Mumm Humboldt Park Economic Development Corp. Nancy Rivera West Town Neighborhood Health Center William Torres Oxygenating Garden Onix Rosado Clergy Daisy Rodriguez Erie Family Health Center Jimmy Simmons Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago Rita Rodriguez Casa Central Quality-of-Life Plan Editing Committee Graciela Suarez West Town Leadership United Madeline Roman-Vargas Wright College/Humboldt Park Vocational Doris Brown Chicago Commons West Humboldt Park Julian Tysh Humboldt Park Economic Development Corp. Education Center (Chair) Bill Howard West Humboldt Park Family and Community Mary Williams West Humboldt Park Family and Community Joan Sheforgen PrimeCare Development Council Development Council Stephanie Sommers Center on Work and Community Development Jennette Moton K.A.F.T. 4 Unity Neighborhood Organization Sherrelle Withers Chicago Department of Planning and Development Dan Valliere Chicago Commons Gabriela Roman Near Northwest Neighborhood Network Steve Vanderpoel Streamwood Behavioral Health Center at St. Mary Youth Participants of Nazareth Hospital NCP Planning Task Force Guests Jasmine Cuevas Youth Service Project Elba Vasquez Citizens Health Organization Sergeant Anderson Chicago Police Department 14th District Samantha Cuevas Youth Service Project Kalli Verdos Youth Service Project Erika Allen Growing Power Shardae Herron Agape-Teen Town Victor Villalobos Resurrection Health Care/St. Elizabeith and St. Mary Alfonso Carrington Orr High School Brittany Jones Agape-Teen Town of Nazareth Hospitals Walter Coleman Clergy Mima Juarbe Bickerdike Youth Council Ray Wang North Central District Health Council Pat Daniels Nobel Neighbors Tenyce Lawson Bickerdike Youth Council Xichel Woods Erie Family Health Center Alexandra Dymoska architreasures Gabriel Mercado HPEP Youth Action Team/Batey Urbano Tarreshea Fountain Nobel Neighbors Damian Nuñez HPEP Youth Action Team/Batey Urbano Open Space Sub-Committee Min. Frankie Freeney Nobel Neighbors April Owens Bickerdike Youth Council Alexandra Dymowska architreasures John Groene Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago Michael Reyes HPEP Youth Action Team/Batey Urbano (Organizer) Joanne Elan Resident Lauren Gutterman La Casa Norte Latavia Robinson Bickerdike Youth Council Lucy Gomez-Feliciano Logan Square Neighborhood Association Officer Hart Chicago Police Department 25th District Jessica Rodriguez HPEP Youth Action Team/Batey Urbano Sherry Hooker Growing Pride (Chair) Maria Hernandez Resident Jermaine Ruffin Agape-Teen Town Jim Lundeen Nobel Neighbors Robert Iverson United Blocks of West Humboldt Park Deshawn Samuels HPEP Youth Action Team/Batey Urbano Maggie Martinez Block Club Federation Antoinette Jackson Near Northwest Neighborhood Network Reginald Sanders Agape-Teen Town Lydia Molina Growing Pride Teofilo Lopez Near Northwest Neighborhood Network Philip Santos HPEP Youth Action Team/Batey Urbano Jose Quiles Humboldt Park Local Advisory Council Reid Mackin West Humboldt Park Family and Community Tecia Spires Bickerdike Youth Council Victor Ramos Resident Development Council Stephanie Stultz Agape-Teen Town Maria Romero Bickerdike Redevelopment Corporation Officer Morales Chicago Police Department 25th District Marilyn Virto Bickerdike Youth Council Sonica Ruiz Humboldt Park Bertha Morin West Town Leadership United Jamel Woods Agape-Teen Town Julie Samuels Openlands Project Sergeant Morland Chicago Police Department 14th District QUALITY-OF-LIFE PLAN : HUMBOLDT PARK

CONTENTS

SUMMARY Neighborhood Creates Plan As New Residents Arrive 2

OUR COMMUNITY Proud Neighborhood Faces Challenge of Renewal Lead Agency: Bickerdike Redevelopment Corporation Planning Process: Building on Earlier Work 6

VISION A Prosperous and Inclusive Community 15

STRATEGIES Seven Approaches to Community Improvement 17

WORK PROGRAM Schedule and Priorities 36 SUMMARY

Neighborhood Creates Plan as New Residents Arrive

A historic beacon for immigrants and low- to moderate-income residents, Humboldt Park is responding to encroaching gentrification by working furiously to stake a claim for longtime residents who wish to stay. A mixed community with Puerto Ricans to the east, African-Americans to the west and an increasing influx of Mexican-Americans, Humboldt Park is a well-organized, outspoken, sometimes fiery community that has had mixed reactions to the growing number of higher-income, predominantly white newcomers who attract investment but drive up housing prices and

New development has come to West Humboldt Park, including this property taxes. shopping center at Chicago and Kedzie avenues. Longtime residents appreciate the positive results that new development can bring, such as safer streets and greater amenities, but want to preserve affordable housing, retain industry and improve education, job training and health care. Unfortunately, industry has declined in recent decades, retail

2 strips have withered and schools have performed poorly, all contributing to the twin plagues of gang and drug activity. But new investments in housing, the commercial strip along Division Street known as Paseo Boricua (Puerto Rican Gateway) and the green expanse of Humboldt Park itself have fostered a sense of renewal. This plan includes many ideas from earlier plans, notably the Empowerment Zone process in the 1990s led by the Near Northwest Neighborhood Network/Humboldt Park Empowerment Partnership, and plans by West Humboldt Park Family and Community Development East of the park, Puerto Rican flag sculptures span Division Street. Council and Nobel Neighbors. Although implementing this plan will require greater coordination and less attention to “turf” issues among local organizations, all involved realize they must unite—or be conquered.

3 STRATEGIES AND PROJECTS

STRATEGY 1 Improve local schools using a community- 2.6 Substance Abuse. Use schools and youth service based and culturally sensitive approach agencies to deliver anti-smoking and anti-substance abuse messages. 1.1 Elementary School Network. Create a new 2.7 School-Based Clinics. Increase the number of organization or enhance the capacity of existing school-based clinics that provide treatment, organizations to link teachers, parents and students. education, psychological counseling and other services. 1.2 Community Schools. Establish community centers 2.8 Active Lifestyle Program. Promote active lifestyles at schools that will be open evenings and weekends. for adults and youth to combat obesity and related 1.3 Cultural Awareness Program. Create school health problems. programs that connect students with their cultures to increase self-esteem and broaden self-identity. STRATEGY 3 Provide resources to sustain healthy 1.4 Student Motivation Project. Use traditional and individuals and families non-traditional means to motivate students and create ladders of educational opportunity. 3.1 Center For Working Families. Develop a center 1.5 Five-Year Vocational High School. Create a five-year that provides employment services, financial services and vocational high school that prepares students for jobs in financial education under one roof. the trades. 3.2 Homeownership Counseling. Coordinate existing 1.6 Student Retention. Develop programs to retain homeownership counseling programs to better prepare students at risk of dropping out and connect with those prospective homeowners. who already have dropped out. 3.3 Ex-Offender Project. Coordinate and expand job placement and exchangement programs for former prisoners STRATEGY 2 Create a community of wellness where 3.4 Parenting Information Services. Identify available health is a dimension of community improvement programs and resources to support and inform parents. 3.5 Youth Forums. Develop forums in schools to help 2.1 Community Healthcare Work Group. Provide students and parents understand each other’s perspectives. leadership on advocacy issues related to health care. 3.6 Child Care Services. Gather data on existing services 2.2 Health Education and Outreach. Inform residents to facilitate development of new child care programs about and link them to new and existing health care services. as needed. 2.3 Asthma Reduction. Establish or expand programs 3.7 Spanish-Language and Immigrant Counseling. that address the stubborn problem of asthma. Increase availability of counseling services in Spanish. 2.4 HIV/AIDS Reduction. Work to reduce the incidence 3.8 Holistic Case Management. Develop a holistic system of HIV/AIDS through screening, testing, counseling to connect residents with case management services. and prevention. 3.9 Adult Day Care and Home Care. Expand adult day 2.5 Dental Services. Increase sliding-fee, community-based care and home care programs. dental services. 3.10 Gay/Lesbian Services. Develop gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgender services to meet the needs of the area’s diverse population.

4 STRATEGY 4 Increase community control over use of STRATEGY 5 Engage youth in the community in 6.9 CAPS Promotion. Encourage regular attendance physical resources productive ways at CAPS policing meetings and expand involvement of local businesses. 4.1 Community Land Trust. Institute the “First Community 5.1 Youth Leader Program. Bolster opportunities for 6.10 Community Safety Initiative. Sponsor creation of a Land Trust of Chicago” in West Humboldt Park to encourage youth to give back to their community and become leaders. CeaseFire branch or other safety initiative in Humboldt Park. balanced development and increase control over land use. 5.2 After-School and Summer Programs. Increase after- 4.2 Development Monitoring. Monitor land use and school and summer programs that emphasize music, sports, STRATEGY 7 Provide jobs through training and local negotiate with developers to ensure projects meet local needs. gardening and service projects. business development 4.3 Zoning Remap. Undertake zoning education activities 5.3 Youth Employment. Expand opportunities through to prepare for the city’s zoning remap. summer jobs programs and internships. 7.1 Healthcare Careers. Create bridge programs that 4.4 Affordable Rental Housing. Develop affordable lead to advancement up the healthcare and health policy rental housing and stake a long-term claim for the STRATEGY 6 Improve physical, economic and social career ladder. lowest-income residents. infrastructure through marketing, communications, 7.2 Career Training. Provide paid internships for students 4.5 Affordable Homeownership. Develop affordable beautification and safety in medical allied health programs and technical programs at homeownership projects for moderate-income residents. the Humboldt Park Vocational Education Center (HPVEC). 6.1 Economic Development Summit. Develop an annual 4.6 Special Needs Housing. Research needs of and 7.3 Basic Skills Training Coordination. Coordinate and economic development summit for business leaders, develop supportive housing for special needs groups enhance existing basic skills training programs and improve policy makers and residents. such as the homeless, seniors, people with disabilities, access for residents of subsidized housing. 6.2 Community Resource Guide. Develop a web-based and people with HIV/AIDS. 7.4 Minority/Latino Contractors Association. Create resource guide to serve as an electronic bulletin board. 4.7 Fair Housing. Establish a fair housing program to a minority/Latino contractors’ association to provide 6.3 Community Walk/Bike Map. Create a tour map address violations. referrals and other services. that identifies key landmarks and points of interest. 4.8 Employer Assisted Housing. Collaborate with 7.5 Access to Small Business Resources. Increase 6.4 Focus on the Park. Promote Humboldt Park itself as employers to develop subsidy and incentive programs access to small business development resources through the center of activities for residents, schools and others. for local home purchases. lending institutions. 6.5 Gateway Development. Implement streetscape and 4.9 Local Resident Rehab and Home Purchase. 7.6 Technologies Business Development. Create a Latino community gateway projects to provide a sense of a Develop a program to help residents purchase Technology Development Center at the Humboldt Park welcoming front door. and rehabilitate abandoned buildings. Vocational Education Center. 6.6 Community Art and Murals. Develop art and 4.10 Retail Corridor Development. Strengthen existing mural projects at prominent intersections and preserve retail corridors to ensure that local businesses thrive and the mural at North and Artesian. new business are attracted to Humboldt Park to fill 6.7 Paseo Boricua. Enhance and expand the “between identified retail gaps. the flags” Paseo Boricua Restaurant and Cultural District. 4.11 Open Space Coalition. Create an Open Space 6.8 Cultural Bridge Program. Develop a program to Coalition to help implement the “Open Space Plan for creatively address racial and cultural relations between Humboldt Park.” Enhance existing parks and create new east and west Humboldt Park. parks and green space. 4.12 Community Facilities Development. Develop new and re-use existing facilities to serve community needs.

5 OUR COMMUNITY

Proud Neighborhood Faces Challenge of Renewal

“ You’re instrumental in making sure this Our neighborhood, Humboldt Park, stands poised at the a strong future for our children through better schools, a threshold of great promise—but also of considerable peril wider, stronger array of youth programming and a safer plan reflects the voice of the Humboldt for the low- and moderate-income residents that have environment on our streets. Park community.” always been the core of our community. For the last 25 years, we have been a mixed community A typical Chicago neighborhood Dena Al-Khatib, Program Manager-NCP, to the planning task force with a strong Puerto Rican heritage to the east and a Humboldt Park is a large community roughly bounded largely African-American population to the west. We are by Western on the east, the Belt Railway on the west, a neighborhood with a healthy sense of pride and a Kinzie on the south and the Bloomingdale rail corridor fighting spirit. We have grappled with and overcome many on the north. The railroads and factories that surround challenges, building a sense of community with only the community tell part of our story: We are a neighbor- modest resources. But today we face new challenges. hood of workers. As gentrification has spread into the eastern edge of our Most of today’s Humboldt Park became part of community near a rejuvenated Humboldt Park, residents Chicago in 1869, the same year that a 207-acre park have begun to imagine in our neighborhood some of the was created and named for German naturalist Alexander more positive aspects of what we have seen in adjacent von Humboldt. The first German and Scandinavian settlers Wicker Park: safer streets, better services, new investment found prairie and farmland, but as streetcars extended into in stores and housing, and a more complete set of the community in the early 1900s, the neighborhood neighborhood amenities. quickly built up into a dense grid of brick and frame But we also perceive that there are fewer faces of color houses, two-flats and apartment buildings. in our neighborhood today, and a shrinking population of Waves of immigrants have come, beginning with working-class residents. We feel a strong need to stake a Italians, Poles and Russian Jews and followed in the claim in Humboldt Park, to create and preserve affordable 1970s and ‘80s by Puerto Ricans and African Americans. housing, retain industry and improve services such as job Recently, an influx of Mexicans has further enriched our training, education and health care. Many residents, mix. Our population peaked in the 1930s at 80,835 and especially the elderly, have been displaced out of other appeared to be stabilizing at about 66,000 by 2000, with neighborhoods such as Lincoln Park and are tired of an almost even mix between Latinos (48.0 percent) and having to move. Most importantly, we see a need to build African-Americans (47.4 percent).

6 OUR COMMUNITY OUR

�� Issues to address �� We came to Humboldt Park in search of jobs in the industrial �� corridors and downtown, and for decent affordable housing, good schools and convenient shopping. We came �� for the sense of community that our predecessors and neighbors had created. ��

But in recent years, some of the things we sought have �� not been available, or the quality has been less than what �� our neighborhood should have. �� Both industry and retail have declined, leaving us with �� less earning power and fewer local places to spend the �� money we do earn. Since the 1970s, an estimated 11,000

factory jobs have disappeared in Humboldt Park and �� surrounding communities. The once-solid retail strips along �� Chicago, Division and North Avenues have withered and no longer provide for all of our shopping needs. A 2002

study by MetroEdge showed that nearly half of residents’ �� purchases were made outside the neighborhood because �� we are underserved by many retail segments, including �� banks and grocery stores. ��

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Figure 1 Northwest location close to resources

The Humboldt Park planning area runs from Western St. to the Belt Railway and from Kinzie St. to the Bloomingdale rail corridor. Excellent transportation resources are nearby.

7 Between 1980 and 2000, Humboldt Park lost 3,900 of our streets and sidewalks, drive-by shootings are all too shopping center, built in the 1990s, represents the new units of housing, mostly in its southwest corner, which common and turf battles among local gangs have created commercial investment that is coming to our neighbor- now has hundreds of vacant lots. Some of the remaining boundary lines that prevent youth and adults from full hood, including a proposed—but controversial—Wal-Mart housing is overcrowded, especially west of Kedzie Avenue, access to local resources. on North Avenue. And recent new developments have and the vast majority of it needs reinvestment after 80 to expanded services and programs available to residents: 120 years of use. A sense of renewal Chicago Commons’ West Humboldt Park facility (adult Our public schools, like so many in Chicago, are mostly Despite these challenges, our community has seen solid day care, skills training); Nia Family Center (child care); low-performing institutions where the majority of students renewal in recent years, creating optimism among many. Senior Suites (senior housing); Sanctuary Place (hous- are from low-income families. A 2004 Illinois Facilities The gains have been significant. ing for women trying to reunite with their families); and Fund report showed that only two of the 12 public The green expanse of Humboldt Park itself, neglected in Department of Children and Family Services offices. elementary schools in Humboldt Park were “performing” recent decades, has been rejuvenated, from its lagoon and Housing is also on the upswing. On blocks throughout schools, with 40 percent or more of students testing at or boathouse to the $3.7 million renovation of the historic the neighborhood are new for-sale housing, rehabilitated above standards. Our high schools struggle to address high Humboldt Park Stables, which will soon house the Institute and affordable rental units and renovated single-family dropout rates and low student achievement. of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture. Families turn out on homes. Though housing prices are rising, they remain We feel that education and economic independence summer weekends for movies in the park, mobile food relatively affordable, especially in the western sections of are our greatest challenges, and that they are linked to stands do good business selling fried plantains and Humboldt Park. The median housing value was $95,270 another set of problems: gang activity, street violence and cuchifrito (pig ear stew), and the lagoon offers a beach and in 2000, less than the city median of $132,400 and well drug trafficking. quiet areas for fishing. below that in neighboring West Town ($271,194), which Humboldt Park in recent years has had among the Division Street has evolved into a lively and colorful includes Wicker Park. But prices are rising; Chicago highest murder rates in Chicago. There were 19 homicides Paseo Boricua (Puerto Rican Gateway) that attracts crowds magazine calculated the average price in Humboldt Park in 2003 and 37 in 2002. Drugs are openly sold on some with small bakeries, grocery stores, restaurants, cafes, the at $140,019 in October 2004. Batey Urbano youth center and the Puerto Rican Cultural Center. Farther west, the Chicago and Kedzie Plaza

8 OUR COMMUNITY OUR

“ We are experts on what happens in Tensions, but strengths too NNNN/HPEP is “a multi-issue, community-based As a community of mixed races and cultures, our organizing organization serving the neighborhoods of our neighborhood. Not LISC downtown. Humboldt Park has not been without tensions. There Humboldt Park, West Town and parts of Logan Square. Not the consultants here.” always have been dividing lines between the African- NNNN’s mission is to develop the will and the vision American community to the west and south and the to stabilize and revitalize the community, so that the Eliud Medina, Executive Director, Near Northwest Neighborhood Puerto Rican areas to the east. Unfortunately, gang community provides quality to both family life and work.” Network, to the planning task force boundaries restrict the movement of our youth across The NCP planning process adopted NNNN/HPEP’s the larger geographic area and within sub-areas on the existing subcommittee structure to take advantage of east, west and south. established Housing, Employment/Skills, Economic The small but growing presence of higher-income Development and Youth Action Teams. white residents creates mixed feelings: While their Two other organizations, the West Humboldt Park investments may bring positive changes, there is a clear Family and Community Development Council (WHPDC) danger of displacement and increased property taxes, as and Nobel Neighbors also created plans in recent years. has happened in neighborhoods to the east. WHPDC was founded in 1992 and has focused on rede- Fortunately, our neighborhood has a history of involve- velopment of Chicago Avenue, residential involvement ment by residents and a legacy of neighborhood planning through a block club network, a community land trust and that has provided opportunities for discussion and helped the Central Park Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district. define our visions for the future. Nobel Neighbors was founded in 1985 to address criminal The many meetings in 2004 that resulted in this New activity near the Alfred Nobel Elementary School. Today it Communities Program (NCP) quality-of-life plan were is a multi-issue organization. preceded over the past decade by several other such efforts, All of these earlier neighborhood plans were presented most notably the Empowerment Zone planning process by the groups at the outset of the NCP planning process in the 1990s, which was led by the Near Northwest and many ideas from those plans have been incorporated Neighborhood Network/Humboldt Park Empowerment into this document. Partnership (NNNN/HPEP).

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Figure 2 Key organizations 1 PrimeCare 11 Association House, WTLU 20 Casa Central 28 PANA 2 Spanish Coalition For Housing 12 Puerto Rican Arts Alliance 21 Centro Sin Fronteras 29 K.A.F.T. 4 Unity Block Club The organizations shown here will help implement 3 GNPDC 13 H.P. Vocational Education 22 Institute of Puerto Rican Arts 30 Interfaith House projects in this plan. 4 Block Club Federation Center/Wright College and Culture 31 NHS 5 Youth Service Project 14 Erie Family Health Center 23 Puerto Rican Cultural Center 32 WHPDC 6 Blocks Together 15 Hispanic Housing Dev. Corp. 24 Co-op Humboldt Park, 33 Chicago Commons, Louise 7 Lucha 16 Bickerdike Redevelopment Corp. Vida/Sida Landau Health Center Schools 8 La Casa Norte 17 Near Northwest Arts Council 25 DSBDA 34 Nobel Neighbors 9 Hispanic Housing Dev. Corp. 18 NNNN/HPEP 26 Batey Urbano 35 Growing Pride 10 United Blocks Of West H. P. 19 PrimeCare 27 Centro San Bonifacio 36 Nia Center

10 LEAD AGENCY COMMUNITY OUR LEAD AGENCY Bickerdike Redevelopment Corporation

The New Communities Program lead agency in Unity Cooperative and the 57-unit, mixed-use La Estancia Humboldt Park is Bickerdike Redevelopment Corp., now under development. an organization founded in 1967 whose mission is “the Bickerdike also undertakes leadership development redevelopment of the West Town, Humboldt Park, Logan and organizing through its: Square and Hermosa communities for the benefit of and Residents Council, which builds leadership among control by the lower- and moderate-income residents tenants and community in Bickerdike’s housing of these areas.” Founded by community organizations, developments; churches and local residents to rebuild the area’s crumbling housing stock, the organization works to simultaneously Youth Council, led by Bickerdike resident youth, which preserve ethnic and cultural character while improving its develops leadership through organizing and civic activities; service area economically. Affordable Housing Committee, which advocates Bickerdike has developed 1,006 affordable housing for citywide and countywide reforms; and, units, of which 145 units are owner-occupied, 692 are rentals and 169 are cooperative housing. The agency’s Public Safety Campaign, which focuses on such activities Bickerdike builds and manages affordable housing and employs local Humboldt Construction Company employs 15 to 30 area as CAPS participation, resident participation in block residents through its Humboldt Construction Company. residents through carpentry and general contracting parties and safety marches, and police accountability. services. Recent developments include the recently constructed 87-unit, $17.6-million Harold Washington

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Figure 3 Many projects already underway

This quality-of-life plan builds on work already being carried out by neighborhood organizations, public agencies and private developers.

12 OUR COMMUNITY OUR PLANNING PROCESS Building on Earlier Work

When Bickerdike became a lead agency of the New To narrow down an initial list of 176 possible projects, Communities Program, it knew it needed to recognize the task force used a voting system that asked each individual the fine work already being done in Humboldt Park and to choose his or her “top 40” projects. Subcommittees also integrate existing plans as it developed the comprehensive designated priority projects. This method resulted in the 58 list of programs and services in this quality-of-life plan. projects presented in this plan. By incorporating this earlier work, the task force has been able to bring these plans together and address the gaps Coordination and teamwork between them. This plan incorporates many ideas from previous planning The first official meeting of the Humboldt Park NCP efforts—such as an initiative to increase access to small- task force took place December 2, 2003, when participants business development resources by NNNN/HPEP and the reviewed the existing community plans and discussed community land trust concept developed by WHPDC. approaches for executing the eight-month planning process. Since many projects grew out of the NNNN/HPEP Action That first meeting was followed by four other major meet- Teams, Bickerdike will continue to work closely with these Community residents were actively engaged in the process, ings, numerous gatherings of committees, four focus groups committees on implementing the NCP plan. providing valuable information through dot maps and prioritizing on education and a two-part charrette or workshop where This is an ambitious plan, one that holds great potential community issues. preliminary plan concepts were presented for discussion. for improving our neighborhood in ways that we ourselves, To obtain wider input, Bickerdike held a community the community and the task force, through a long and meeting on March 10, 2004, at which nearly 40 residents intensive process, have developed and endorsed. expressed their vision for Humboldt Park, prioritized We are aware that implementation will require more the issue areas and said where they thought services and coordination and teamwork than our recent neighborhood improvements were needed. Bickerdike also took its show history has shown. It will require organizations and on the road, bringing the issue buckets (that allow residents individuals to move past turf issues that may have to vote on their priorities) and dot maps (that pinpoint seemed comfortable in previous years, and will require areas of interest) to the NNNN/HPEP membership meeting, new relationships among organizations, political leaders, Bickerdike resident site meetings and the WHPDC Chicago police officials and resident leaders. Avenue Task Force. All involved realize that the stakes are too high to let this opportunity pass. We have committed to not only the vision and strategies outlined here, but the implementation of these ideas over the next five years.

13 EARLY ACTION PROJECTS Doing While Planning

The Early Action Projects conceived by the task force Youth Building through Technology, a project of the moved on a parallel track to the planning process. In NNNN/HPEP Youth Action Team and Batey Urbano, keeping with LISC’s philosophy of “doing while planning,” attracted 16 youth who learned about community several agencies applied for and received small grants to organizing and leadership through technology and arts move forward. As with longer-term projects in the plan, activities, a community survey and site visits to local and the agencies will need to leverage the LISC seed money to out-of-state organizations. Participants produced a youth secure additional funding from other sources. resource guide and a CD of hip-hop and spoken-word art.

Chicago Avenue Mural, led by WHPDC, employed 16 The Early Action Projects included: youth to design and paint a mural on Lawndale at Chicago BickerBikes, a summer bicycle education and maintenance Avenue. The youth worked with local seniors with the program conducted by Bickerdike, was completed by 14 aim of fostering community identity and bridging the gap youth, who went home with the bikes that they had fixed between seniors and teens in West Humboldt Park. The up themselves. The program was designed to stimulate collaboration resulted in a beautiful mural that also fosters Local youth learned to fix bicycles, then rode them all over the city independence and self-esteem in participating youth while community identity, plus television and print publicity through the BickerBikes project. also improving their health and fitness and providing them about the neighborhood. WHPDC plans to continue the with marketable skills in bike repair and maintenance. theme of community development through the arts with a Employment Assessment Survey, administered by similar project next summer. the Greater North-Pulaski Development Corp., surveyed 131 residents and 38 industrial businesses to assess where residents are working and where local workers live. The results of this study will help community agencies make decisions about employment training programs.

14 VISION VISION

A Prosperous and Inclusive Community

Our neighborhood will be a prosperous, inclusive community in which children are well educated and cared for, adults can find good jobs or start their own businesses, and all enjoy safe streets, dependable public transportation, affordable health care, attractive open space and excellent city services.

We envision a Humboldt Park where:

Residents feel empowered to improve the quality of life Families of all incomes can afford decent, safe housing; and the physical environment, working hand-in-hand Family members are healthy in body, mind and spirit, with city officials; with adults responsible for themselves and their children; Local youth formulated their own vision for the community. Adults can find living-wage employment working Everyone can access culturally sensitive and affordable for—or starting—positive, indigenous businesses that health care, attractive and safe open space, and provide needed products and services; dependable public transportation; Children enjoy state-of-the-art schools as well as No one is threatened by gangs or crime—or has public after-school and summer programs that prepare them safety used against him and her because of class or racial for a future as responsible adults; fears; diversity is celebrated; and, The elderly have easy access to senior services Private and public properties are improved through and people with disabilities have opportunities for beautification efforts. independent living;

15 Training and mentoring

North Ave. streetscape improvements

L. Fish/Coil Springs housing rehab

Nobel Neighbors affordable homeownership

Paseo Boricua improvements and La Estancia mixed-use development

Chicago Avenue commercial redevelopment and streetscape improvements

Training and mentoring

Elementary School Network Local school council training Health clinics Community programs

16 STRATEGIES STRATEGIES

Seven Approaches to Community Improvement

Figure 4 Key projects of the plan To achieve the vision of this plan, our community will pursue seven This plan calls for programs and projects related to major strategies and 55 projects. The strategies address both physical housing, health, open space, economic development and education. improvements, such as high-quality affordable housing, business development, land use and beautification, as well as human needs including education, job training, employment, health care and safe streets. The projects will be added to and refined as time goes along; this is a living document with the flexibility to respond to changing community needs.

Our strategies:

1. Improve local schools using a community-based Several strategies contain an advocacy component and culturally sensitive approach. because task force members believed it is crucial to create 2. Create a community of wellness where health is a policies that will support and further key strategies. dimension of community improvement. Through a comprehensive approach, we can better our 3. Provide resources to sustain healthy individuals neighborhood, its residents and businesses while attracting and families. new people, housing and economic development for the 4. Increase community control over use of benefit of all. physical resources. 5. Engage youth in the community in productive ways. 6. Improve physical, economic and social infrastructure through marketing, communications, beautification and safety. 7. Provide jobs through training and local business development.

17 STRATEGY 1

Improve local schools using a Like many communities in Chicago, Humboldt Park Because Humboldt Park is a multicultural community, remains less than satisfied with its local schools. If the educational infrastructure must be multi-dimensional community-based and culturally the 13,800 students at local schools do not succeed to adequately serve community residents. The strategy to sensitive approach academically, they are less likely to be prepared for the improve local schools involves breaking down segregation jobs of tomorrow—and more likely to become stuck in within the student body and increasing cultural sensitivity Our vision is to create a community in which dead-end employment, under-employment or drug for all teachers. Establishing ladders of educational children enjoy state-of-the-art schools. dealing and gang membership. opportunity leading to living-wage jobs will require a A 2004 study by the Illinois Facilities Fund found variety of programs and projects to connect schools to the that 10 of the community’s 12 elementary schools were broader community and provide a variety of educational “non-performing” schools, with fewer than 40 percent paths for students, such as creating a five-year vocational of students testing at or above standards. None of the high school. four public high schools serving Humboldt Park was We will advocate to address the dropout rate and “performing.” Illinois State Board of Education report discourage so-called “push-outs,” students who are forced cards showed the high schools had high dropout rates to drop out because their performance brings down the as well: Orr (27.2%), Clemente (17.5%), Kelvyn Park school’s standardized test scores. We also will lobby for (22.2%) and Wells (10.5%). additional resources and work to overhaul curriculum The issue-bucket exercise undertaken at the March through citywide coalitions aimed at elected officials and 2004 public meeting showed education was the the school board. Finally, we will work for adequate school community’s most pressing issue—and yet the task facilities and full and early disclosure by Chicago Public force had relatively little representation from the area’s Schools regarding school closures and reorganizations. educational leaders. For this reason, Bickerdike convened a series of four focus groups of parents, teachers and educators to help develop the project ideas.

18 STRATEGIES

Community and School Connections Initiative Student Engagement Initiative 1.1 Elementary School Network 1.4 Student Motivation Project Create a new organization or enhance the capacity of Use traditional and non-traditional means to motivate existing organizations to link teachers, parents and students students by providing new, innovative settings in which in an elementary school network that would continue and to learn, creating ladders of educational opportunity. deepen the discussions held during Bickerdike’s focus group Approaches will include creation of summer jobs and sessions. This organization would also provide ongoing internship programs and expansion of programs to training to Local School Council (LSC) members and other plant collaborative school gardens and promote parents, boosting their knowledge and confidence level in nutritional education. advocating for student interests. 1.5 Five-Year Vocational High School 1.2 Community Schools Create a five-year vocational high school that prepares Establish community centers at local schools that will be students for jobs in the trades and other vocational fields. open evenings and weekends to draw people of all ages 1.6 Student Retention The former Orr High School has become a campus for four “small schools.” into the school setting with a wide variety of programs. Develop programs to both retain students who might be 1.3 Cultural Awareness Program at risk of dropping out and connect those who already Create programs in the schools that connect students have dropped out with the educational and vocational with their cultures, creating awareness, boosting cultural resources they will need to become productive members pride and increasing their self-esteem by broadening of the community. their self-identity.

19 STRATEGY 2

Create a community of wellness The eastern portion of Humboldt Park is relatively well programs and increased mental health services. We will served with health programs, particularly by St. Elizabeth deliver anti-smoking and anti-substance-abuse messages to where health is a dimension of Hospital, but that institution’s future is in doubt. West youth through partnerships with schools and other organi- community improvement Humboldt Park suffers from a notable lack of health zations, and increase the number of school-based clinics. care facilities. Only 60 percent of local adults have health We are creating a Community Health Work Group that, Our vision is to create a community in which insurance, compared with a national average of 86 percent. among other activities, works for universal health care, everyone can access culturally sensitive and A 2004 study by the Sinai Health System of six monitors St. Elizabeth Hospital to ensure it stays open, affordable health care. Chicago communities found that 14 percent of adults continually evaluates emergency and inpatient health services in Humboldt Park have been diagnosed with diabetes, at existing hospitals, and supports the continued operation double the U.S. average. Obesity is high as well. Thirty-five of the Vida/SIDA AIDS Education Prevention Project. percent of adults are obese and a startling 62 percent of The Puerto Rican Agenda, an informal group of children are either overweight or obese, compared to 26 politicians, social service agency staff and residents concerned percent nationwide. with the Humboldt Park Puerto Rican community, decided Smoking among adults is also high in Humboldt Park, to take on health care as one of its focus issues based on a with 41 percent of males and 30 percent of females being 2003 planning retreat and the results of the Sinai Health current smokers, compared to about 23 percent nationally. Study. Many of the initiatives and ideas of the Agenda The large number of smokers likely compounds the problem were brought to and adopted by the NCP Healthcare of asthma, which is epidemic in Humboldt Park youth. Subcommittee. While the Agenda focuses on the Puerto Sixty-five percent of children ages 12 and under potentially Rican community, these projects will serve all Humboldt have asthma and 29 percent have been formally diagnosed. Park residents. Improving the health of Humboldt Park residents requires a multifaceted approach that addresses both prevention and treatment. We envision dental programs, services and education around asthma, diabetes and obesity

20 STRATEGIES

2.1 Community Healthcare Work Group 2.5 Dental Services Provide leadership on advocacy issues detailed above, Increase sliding-fee, community-based dental services to oversee implementation of the health components of this make the care of teeth and gums affordable for all. This plan and work to create a community of wellness. will include a prevention campaign to stop decay before it starts. 2.2 Health Education and Outreach Inform residents about new and existing health care 2.6 Substance Abuse services through a multi-pronged approach that includes Use schools and youth service a gencies to deliver an informational web site, educational media campaign, anti-smoking and anti-substance-abuse messages to peer-to-peer education and leadership development, greater elementary through high school students, with an emphasis coordination with schools, and a community-wide health on younger students. care summit to focus attention and spread the word about 2.7 School-Based Clinics facilities and programs. Increase the number of school-based clinics that provide 2.3 Asthma Reduction treatment, education, psychological counseling and other Students practice new skills on a dummy patient at the Humboldt Park Establish or expand programs that address the stubborn services in the hopes of reaching more students and their Vocational Education Center. problem of asthma, such as the American Lung families with appropriate care. Association’s “Open Airways” model for asthma 2.8 Active Lifestyle Program education, smoking cessation programs and training for Promote active lifestyles for adults and youth to combat teachers, parents and organization leaders. obesity and related health problems, including diabetes and 2.4 HIV/AIDS Reduction heart disease. This will be done in part by implementing Work to reduce the incidence of HIV/AIDS in Humboldt culturally sensitive, community supported diet and exercise Park through screening, testing and counseling as well as programs, and diabetes screening and counseling. school-based prevention programs.

21 STRATEGY 3

Provide resources to sustain healthy Healthy, functional individuals and families are basic In general, this strategy deals with bringing resources requirements for a healthy, functional community. This to families. Our plan is to help residents stabilize their individuals and families strategy involves improving financial literacy, providing financial situation by providing them with the education resources and training to ensure good parenting, and and tools to access job opportunities, better manage their Our vision is to create a community in which ensuring that mental health and social services are available finances and benefit from additional income supports. families of all incomes can afford decent housing and accessible. This will involve developing a holistic case One of the best ways for a family to achieve financial and are healthy in body, mind and spirit, with management system that meets the needs of the community stability is through homeownership, and the financial adults responsible for themselves and their children. and empowers residents to become part of the solution. literacy initiative includes a homeownership education Mental health is another major concern: 20 percent and counseling program. of adults have been diagnosed with depression and an To improve parenting skills, we must first determine additional 20 percent were screened as depressed, what parenting programs are available, identify the gaps according to the Mt. Sinai study. Social service providers and develop additional programs. Providing daycare say the high level of violence in the community may itself support and bringing adults and youth together are also be a symptom of poor mental health. components of the parenting initiative. Mental health The strategy has a particular emphasis on serving and social services are also important to the fabric of the ex-offenders because Humboldt Park has consistently community. Projects range from mental health services for been among the top-six community areas in the number seniors to programs serving the gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and of returning former prisoners. A report from the Urban trans-gendered members of our community. Institute Justice Policy Center found that Humboldt Park To strengthen the community, the service agencies had the highest number of returning offenders (699) in that provide these services need the resources to continue 2001. A 2004 analysis by the Chicago Department of operating and expanding their work. We also need to Planning and Development (Figure 5) showed even higher ensure that programs are designed to “help families help numbers of returnees, with more than 1,000 inmate exits themselves” and to build the indigenous leadership in to the 60651 ZIP Code area and similar number in the our community. adjoining 60624 zone. Advocacy related to mental health issues and holistic case management will support the work.

22 STRATEGIES

Economic Stability Initiative Parenting Initiative Figure 5 Returning from prison 3.1 Center For Working Families 3.4 Parenting Information Services The Humboldt Park area has one of the city’s highest con- Develop a Center for Working Families to provide job Identify the full range of available programs and resources centrations of ex-offenders returning to the neighborhood. training and support, financial education and other ser- to best support and inform parents, and fill any gaps in SOURCE: City of Chicago Department of Planning and Development vices aimed at helping families achieve self-sufficiency and such services. long-term financial security. The center’s menu of services 3.5 Youth Forums initially requires: Develop youth forums in schools that engage students Job placement services with strong linkages to major and parents in a dialog about life issues to help them employers throughout the region understand each other’s perspective. Comprehensive financial education and planning support for low- and middle-income residents 3.6 Child Care Services Family supports including access to government benefits Gather data on existing child care services with the aim and emergency resources of facilitating development of new programs. One potential Free income tax preparation services need: care for children age two and under. Ongoing tracking of participants using the Project Social Service Initiative Match model 3.7 Spanish-Language and Immigrant Counseling Additional services that may be added include training for Increase availability of counseling services in Spanish by adults in interpersonal and professional skills, counseling creating mutual support groups for recent immigrants and services and youth education resources. establishing counseling services for residents who do not 3.2 Homeownership Counseling have a mental health diagnosis but might feel lonely and Coordinate with existing homeownership counseling isolated in their new setting. programs to fill in gaps and ensure that prospective 3.8 Holistic Case Management homeowners have the knowledge and resources to make Number of prisoners returning to Chicago ZIP Codes, 2003. Develop a holistic system to connect residents with case good decisions. These will include pre-purchase assessment, management services through networking of existing <100 400-500 post-purchase counseling, condominium ownership case managers, development of a common intake and training, Individual Development Accounts that provide 100-200 500-1,000 assessment tool, use of a web-based referral system and a direct investment strategy and mortgage products geared partnerships with informal entry points such as schools 200-300 +1,000 to local residents. and promotores (local residents who promote health issues 300-400 Humboldt Park 3.3 Ex-Offender Project to their neighbors). We will coordinate and expand job placement, support 3.9 Adult Day Care and Home Care services and expungement programs (which “clean up” Expand adult day care and home care programs, which criminal records for some offenses) with an eye toward are currently inadequate to serve local needs. reducing recidivism and returning those who once strayed to the straight-and-narrow for life. 3.10 Gay/Lesbian Services Develop gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgender services to further meet the needs of Humboldt Park’s diverse population.

23 ��

��

Figure 6 Land use policy

This map establishes a framework for future zoning within the planning area as the city’s zoning remap proceeds.

24 STRATEGIES STRATEGY 4

As Humboldt Park becomes more desirable, land specula- �� Increase community control over ��

tion and redevelopment pressures will continue to grow. �� use of physical resources This increases the likelihood that for existing low- and moderate-income residents, the industrial jobs they need to Our vision is to create a community in which earn a living wage, and the community facilities they enjoy residents feel empowered to improve the quality for recreation or use for social services, will be displaced. of life and the physical environment, and where This strategy seeks to direct resources entering the com- families of all incomes can afford decent housing, munity to the benefit of existing residents. The effort will adults can find living-wage employment and address land control, housing, commercial and industrial �� everyone can access attractive and safe open space. development, and community facilities. Advocacy initiatives to support this strategy include: reforming industrial taxation policies to lower property taxes, eliminate or reduce the head tax, and develop tax incentives for industry; developing and implementing a mechanism to limit condo conversions; encourage balanced �� development through forums including NNNN/HPEP, the �� Chicago Avenue Task Force, the “First Community Land Trust of Chicago” and the Bickerdike Affordable Housing Figure 7 First Community Land Trust Committee; training staff and leaders of community organizations in housing policy issues to mobilize the commu- The First Community Land Trust of Chicago provides nity to fight for policy changes; advocating for open space a vehicle for guiding the appropriate development of resources, park maintenance and affordable programming; vacant land and the creation and long-term maintenance and advocating for a new library in West Humboldt Park of affordable housing. and other community facilities as needed. The NNNN/HPEP Housing Action Team (HAT) will Vacant Land serve as a forum to discuss and learn about housing policy Public/Schools issues and advocacy. The HAT and its member organizations will develop materials that organizations can use Park/Open Space to mobilize their constituents. Policy issues will include funding for affordable condo, co-op development and rental housing as well as single-family housing development, increased resources for rental assistance, property tax reform for both rental and single-family properties, and bank reinvestment/Community Reinvestment Act monitoring.

25 Land Control Initiative Housing Initiative 4.1 Community Land Trust 4.4 Affordable Rental Housing Institute the “First Community Land Trust of Chicago” in Develop affordable rental housing and stake a longer-term West Humboldt Park to encourage balanced development claim in the neighborhood for the lowest income residents and greatly increase our control over land use and among us through such projects as the La Estancia mixed-use development in and around the Chicago Avenue corridor. development, set-aside housing in the 26th Ward, and 500 This area was selected because it includes several hundred additional affordable rental units throughout the community vacant lots that provide a significant opportunity for (Figure 8). development and abundant opportunities to put residential 4.5 Affordable Homeownership and other real estate space to better use (Figure 7, page 25). Develop affordable homeownership projects and similarly The First CLT will acquire property and oversee stake a claim for moderate-income residents with projects development of affordable housing, retail space and open such as the new homes and condominiums on the 1000 space that serves community needs. Through a community and 1100 blocks of Christiana, the NHS New Homes for Support to small local businesses and attraction of new ones are membership and board structure, the land held by the Chicago project near Ohio, Erie and Pulaski, the Nobel among the priorities for retail development. First CLT will be under the ownership and control of the Neighbors affordable homeownership development, the community, empowering residents to plan and manage First Community Land Trust homeownership development, what gets developed. set-aside housing in the 26th Ward and various other projects 4.2 Development Monitoring to rehabilitate abandoned and HUD-foreclosed homes. Continue to monitor land use and negotiate with developers 4.6 Special Needs Housing through such efforts as the Chicago Avenue Task Force, Research needs of and develop supportive housing NNNN/HPEP’s Special Projects review committee, and for groups such as the homeless, seniors, people with ongoing work with the city on development of city-owned disabilities and people with HIV/AIDS, through such Request-for-Proposal (RFP) sites. projects as the L Fish/Coil Springs senior condominium 4.3 Zoning Remap development on North Avenue and the La Casa Norte Undertake zoning education activities to prepare for transitional housing facility for homeless youth. Conduct a the city’s zoning remap, which began in the fall of 2004 study on homelessness in Humboldt Park to help leverage and provides an opportunity for significant community additional resources to house this vulnerable population. influence. The land use policy map (Figure 6, page 24) 4.7 Fair Housing provides the beginnings for this discussion. Establish a fair housing program to develop local capacity to address fair housing violations and ensure that no one is discriminated against and everyone has a place to live in our community.

26 STRATEGIES �� 4.8 Employer Assisted Housing Collaborate with large local employers to develop and � support an “employer assisted housing program” that

provides subsidies or incentives so that workers can live � �� near their jobs. �� 4.9 Local Resident Rehab and Home Purchase Support � � � Develop a program to provide resources for residents to �� purchase and rehabilitate abandoned buildings, removing � � ��

these eyesores and sources of danger while helping to boost � � � �� property values and a sense of community. � � � ��

Commercial/Industrial Initiative ��

4.10 Retail Corridor Development �� Strengthen existing retail corridors to ensure that local � businesses thrive. For Chicago Avenue, prepare a ��

conceptual development program by identifying gaps �� and attracting desirable new businesses through surveys, � identification of retail needs and site marketing. For � Division Street and North Avenue, conduct a parking needs analysis to address parking and transit constraints �� that threaten to curtail growth. Develop and/or attract � �� appropriate businesses in existing retail corridors and other promising locations. These may include a local credit union through the Center for Working Families, full-service Figure 8 Housing development Affordable Homeownership Developments 6 Christiana Housing Sites (NNNN/HPEP) supermarket at Division and Homan, bank at North and Many non-profit organizations are working to create and 7 HUD Home Rehab (Nobel Neighbors) Western, and CVS pharmacy at Chicago and Pulaski. maintain affordable housing. Developments with multi- 8 New Homes for Chicago—Ohio, Erie & Pulaski (NHS) site locations are shown in shaded areas. 9 Affordable Homeownership Development (Nobel Affordable Housing Initiatives Neighbors) 1 First Community Land Trust of Chicago (WHPDC) Special Needs Housing 2 26th Ward Set Aside (Ald. Ocasio) 10 Paseo Boricua Senior Housing (HHDC) 3 CHA Residential RFP Site 11 Senior Suites (Pathway Senior Living) Affordable Rental Developments 12 L. Fish/Coil Springs Senior Rental and Affordable and 4 La Estancia (Bickerdike/DSBDA) Market Rate Condo (HHDC) 5 Harold Washington Unity Cooperative (Bickerdike) 13 The Solid Ground Supportive Housing Program for Homeless Male Youth (La Casa Norte)

27 Community Facilities Initiative community green space wherever viable. These will include 4.12 Community Facilities Development 4.11 Open Space Coalition the Kedvale Park-Nobel School park campus, Kells Park Develop new or re-use existing facilities to serve Create an Open Space Coalition that works to implement improvements and Park District-owned sites such as 3349 community needs, including creation of a west Humboldt the “Open Space Plan for Humboldt Park” developed by W. Rice and 4302 W. Division. This plan also will include Park library and West Humboldt Park Center for Growing Pride (The Garden Club of Humboldt Park) and working to convert the unused Bloomingdale rail line Performing Arts and re-use of the Wright School, Kelly Openlands Project. The coalition also will work on open into a bicycle and pedestrian trail while addressing the Hall and Hartgrove Hospital buildings. space advocacy issues such as securing a sliding-scale fee community’s concerns about safety associated with this for park district programs, encouraging formation of Local project. A priority is creation and maintenance of facilities Park Advisory Councils and working with local groups such as baseball diamonds, soccer fields and basketball Figure 9 Monticello Park to ensure park facility and programming improvements. courts to provide opportunities for active recreation for Also enhance existing parks and create new parks and youth and adults. The community supports development of new parks and open space such as the Chicago Park District’s recent Monticello Park project at Monticello Avenue and Hirsch Street. Partners included the Block Club Federation, Monticello BlockBlock CClub,lub, AAld.ld. BBillyilly OOcasiocasio ((26th),26th), OOpenlandspenlands Project,Project, MetraMetra aandnd CChicagohicago PParkark DDistrict.istrict.

28 STRATEGIES STRATEGY 5

Engage youth in the community Youth represent Humboldt Park’s future. They need to be engaged in community life, their educational future and the in productive ways promise of an adulthood as working, productive citizens if they are to become motivated members of the commu- Our vision is to create a community in which youth nity. This strategy seeks to provide youth with activities enjoy after-school and summer programs that prepare during after-school hours, develop youth as leaders and them for a future as responsible adults. provide them with the job skills necessary to launch suc- cessful careers. Humboldt Park has more than its share of youth to serve: according to the 2000 census, 35.2 percent of Humboldt Park residents are 17 and under, versus 26.1 percent citywide. Due to recent city and state funding cuts for youth programming, advocating for resources will be crucial to suc-

cessful implementation of these programs. Youth programs should celebrate local culture and attract youth by emphasizing popular interests such as music, technology and sports. 5.1 Youth Leader Program We will bolster opportunities for youth to give back to their community and become leaders through such pro- 5.3 Youth Employment Programs grams as skill building through technology, the Youth We will expand opportunities for youth employment Investment Club, the high-school business mentoring through summer jobs programs. These may include a program, expansion of the Teen Town Model that teaches stipend program for businesses or nonprofits to hire teens leadership and organizing skills, and other leadership summer interns and provide on-the-job training, jobs for programs in Humboldt Park. working in community gardens such as Youth Garden Corps, mentoring positions at aldermanic offices for 14- 5.2 After-School and Summer Programs and 15-year-olds and “Our Block”-style programs that We will increase after-school and summer programs that provide jobs for older youth preparing open spaces for emphasize interest areas like music, sports, gardening and summer day camp programs for younger children. service projects. Some examples include the Drums for Life and Children’s Choir programs at West Humboldt Park Center for the Performing Arts, workshops on themes not taught in schools such as hip-hop and DJ’ing, sports programs in underused parks, and the BickerBikes summer youth bicycle program.

29 STRATEGY 6

Improve physical, economic and A strong physical, economic and social infrastructure In addition, streetscapes are often deteriorated, social infrastructure through provides the community context within which healthy, the park itself remains an underused resource, and, functional individuals and families are most likely to thrive. although crime has come down somewhat, public safety marketing, communications, An attractive physical environment underscores public and continues as a challenging issue, with gangs and drugs beautification and safety private willingness to invest in the community’s future. still a presence on many street corners. Chicago Police Marketing and communications help spread the word that Department data show total crimes in Humboldt Park Humboldt Park is a bustling place to do business and and West Town combined were down 49.2 percent from Our vision is to create a community in which connects residents with the resources they need to succeed. 1995 to 2001, compared with a citywide drop of 26.4 residents feel empowered to help improve their Improving public safety dovetails with the increasingly percent. Nonviolent crimes per square mile were down quality of life and physical environment, no one attractive visual and economic environment, requiring a 23 percent and violent crimes down 21 percent from is threatened by gangs or crime, and property is collaborative partnership among businesses, residents and 1998 to 2002, according to Chapin Hall. The gentrification improved through beautification efforts. the Chicago Police Department. This provides opportunities in West Town and eastern Humboldt Park probably to express our positive energy, culture and willingness to contributed to the drops in crime. Humboldt Park work together to create a cohesive community fabric. in 2003 experienced 19 murders, 70 criminal sexual Although Humboldt Park’s infrastructure has seen some assaults and 1,427 violent crimes overall. improvement in recent years, business development remains An important component of this strategy is spotty. Analysis by the Woodstock Institute showed 352 maintaining the racial and ethnic mix of the community, small business loans totaling $21.8 million in 2001, including the continued development of a Puerto Rican compared to 1,612 loans totaling $88.1 million that same cultural district. We will need to advocate for capital year in neighboring West Town. Many industries and jobs improvements such as street lighting, street and sidewalk have left—an estimated 11,000 factory jobs since the 1970s repairs and sewer work. We will also need to monitor in Humboldt Park and surrounding communities—with how public resources such as TIF funds are being used the total universe of jobs comprised of 36 percent service and advocate for uses that truly benefit our community. sector, 27 percent retail and only 9 percent manufacturing, according to 1997 economic census data compiled by Urban Logic.

30 STRATEGIES

Marketing and Communications Initiative 6.3 Community Walk/Bike Map 6.5 Gateway Development 6.1 Economic Development Summit We will create a tour map for those wishing to walk We will implement streetscape and community gateway We will develop an annual economic development summit or bicycle through Humboldt Park that identifies key projects along major streets including Division Street, to bring together business leaders, policy makers and residents landmarks and points of interest in the community. North Avenue, Chicago Avenue and Western Avenue to to discuss and plan for Humboldt Park’s commercial future. provide a sense of a front door that welcomes visitors and Community Identity and Beautification Initiative residents to the community. The ultimate designs will be 6.2 Community Resource Guide 6.4 Focus on the Park developed with community input, but some examples are We will develop a web-based resource guide based on the We will promote Humboldt Park itself as the center of the included in Figure 10. Beehive model (www.beehive.com) that will span all issue neighborhood by developing a newsletter for the Humboldt areas contained in this plan and serve as a central electron- Park Local Advisory Council (HPLAC), encouraging ic bulletin board for agencies and individuals. neighborhood schools to use Humboldt Park nature trails, supporting the installation of the Institute of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture in the stables, and developing a container garden on the field house veranda.

Accent gateway installations with New gateway features combine Incorporate seating colorful cobblestone treatment historic Humboldt Park lanterns and landscape around with culturally inspired original art gateway installations

Figure 10 Community gateway concept

Unified streetscape designs that include gateways at major intersections and landmarks (such as Kells Park, shown above) can help elevate the community’s identity.

31 6.6 Community Art and Murals 6.8 Cultural Bridge Program and that the business community, not solely residents, In order to beautify and provide deeper cultural identity to We will develop a program to creatively address racial and becomes involved in reporting problems and seeking solutions. Humboldt Park, we will develop community art and mural cultural relations between east and west Humboldt Park, projects at prominent intersections and continue working to which represent two distinct sub-communities that are mostly 6.10 Community Safety Initiative preserve the mural at North and Artesian. Local youth Latino and African-American, respectively. This will help We will sponsor the creation of a CeaseFire branch or recently painted a new mural on Lawndale Ave. at Chicago Ave. stitch together the community in a more cohesive way, which, other safety initiative in Humboldt Park. Through this in turn will provide the greater unity needed to implement initiative, we will encourage participation in existing block 6.7 Paseo Boricua many facets of this plan. clubs and establishment of new ones, create a Humboldt We will enhance and expand the “between the flags” Paseo Park Block Club Network, increase block club activities Boricua Restaurant and Cultural District along Division Safety Initiative such as safety marches and celebrations, and organize Street, to further underscore the neighborhood’s Puerto 6.9 CAPS Promotion phone trees to report on crime or drug activity hot spots. Rican heritage. A concept for pedestrian improvements is We will encourage regular attendance at CAPS meetings, illustrated in Figure 10. ensuring that in all beats they are used for problem-solving

New street lighting, Bickerdike and DSBDA’s new New neighborhood banners and street furniture La Estancia development history plaque

Figure 11 Paseo Boricua Streetscape Concepts

Enhancements to the Paseo Boricua area along Division Street can underscore the neighborhood’s Puerto Rican heritage.

New sidewalks with “Old San Juan”- Expanded Encourage planters and style blue cobblestones. ”Walk of Fame“ seating along building edges

32 STRATEGIES STRATEGY 7

Provide jobs through training and The availability of living-wage jobs is a critical need in the Preliminary statistics from an employment assessment Humboldt Park community. This strategy seeks to ensure by the Greater North-Pulaski Development Corporation local business development that residents can find jobs and receive the support needed show that of 131 community respondents, 66 percent said to keep those jobs and move up the economic ladder. they needed additional education or skills to get a new job Our vision is to create a community in which adults Projects and programs focus on basic skills training such in the future. Of these, 41 percent said they needed a high can find living wage employment working for—or as GED programs that provide one-on-one assistance and school diploma or GED. The survey asked local businesses starting—indigenous businesses that provide needed on career-specific training in allied health and industrial what requirements were needed among job applicants; they products and services. vocations. This strategy also seeks to create jobs through cited ability to speak English (41 percent); ability to read business development programs that help local residents and write English (23 percent); machine operation (38 become business owners and help local businesses grow. percent) and ability to read measuring devices (33 percent). Overall unemployment in the community was down Advocacy and policy change will be needed to provide 2.2 percent from 1990 to 2000, but still stubbornly high at jobs and other supportive services for ex-offenders, while 14.6 percent, according to the census. Per capita income in changing industrial taxation policies—listed under the land 2000 was $10,094, just half the city average, while median control strategy earlier—is also an important advocacy family income was $30,125. effort that will impact employment.

33 Job Training Initiative Business Development and Support Initiative 7.1 Healthcare Careers 7.4 Minority/Latino Contractors Association We will create bridge programs that lead to advancement We will create a minority/Latino contractors’ association up the healthcare and health policy career ladder. These to ensure that members of historically under-represented may include an evening RN program, an education track groups have full access to potential government, commercial from public health through to medical school, educational and residential contracts in the community. The association opportunities for existing populations working as volunteers will offer services such as licensing and MBE/WBE and/or in low-level healthcare jobs, an accelerated program certification assistance and access to financing. targeted at local residents to earn prerequisites for bridge programs, and a mentoring program to ensure that local 7.5 Access To Small Business Resources residents of color have access to leadership positions in We will increase local access to small business development the field. resources by encouraging lending institutions to provide affordable loan products and services to local business 7.2 Career Training owners and entrepreneurs. We will provide paid internships for students in various vocational programs at the Humboldt Park Vocational 7.6 Technologies Business Development Education Center (HPVEC). One potential tool to We will create a Latino Technology Development Center accomplish this is TIF Works, a program that provides housed at the Humboldt Park Vocational Education Center. job-training funds through the city’s Tax Increment Finance Districts (Figure 11). We will work to ensure that all TIFs in Humboldt Park are TIF Works eligible.

7.3 Basic Skills Training Coordination We will work to coordinate and enhance existing basic skills training programs in areas like GED preparation and ESL and ensure that residents of subsidized housing have access to these programs.

34 STRATEGIES �� Achieving the vision By pursuing these seven strategies through the specific programs outlined here, we will achieve the vision set out for Humboldt Park by the NCP Task Force. �� Many of the projects have lead agencies ready to �� roll, some of whom have partner agencies also at the ready. Some of these projects were already underway in �� the summer of 2004, whether they were LISC-funded Early Action Projects or ongoing work of Bickerdike �� and its partner agencies. �� What follows is the detailed Work Program that

shows the 58 projects along with their expected time �� frame and the agency or agencies who are or potentially ��

might take a leadership role. The project numbers and �� titles in the work program correspond directly with the

strategies outlined above. ��

��

Figure 12 Tax increment financing districts

Much of the neighborhood is covered by tax increment financing (TIF) districts that can provide funding for eligible projects. Additional tools for revitalization are available in the city-designated Humboldt Park Redevelopment Area outlined in red.

Humboldt Park Redevelopment Area

35 WORK PROGRAM

Key to Participating Organizations

The Humboldt Park planning process drew input from many nonprofit GAP Garfield Area Partnership NN Nobel Neighbors agencies, public sector actors, businesses and residents. An equally GNPDC Greater North-Pulaski Development Corporation NNNN Near Northwest Neighborhood Network

broad array of resources will be necessary to put the plan into action. GP Growing Pride NHS Neighborhood Housing Services GWTP Greater West Town Community Development Project NNWAC Near Northwest Arts Council

Those who might lead or participate in these efforts include: HAS Health Alternative System OLP Openlands Project HCC Humboldt Construction Company OSC Open Space Coalition

AHC Association House of Chicago HHDC Hispanic Housing Development Corporation PC PrimeCare Community Health, Inc. ARCH architreasures HPEP Humboldt Park Empowerment Partnership, the PD Chicago Park District ASP Aspira organizing initiative of NNNN PRCC Puerto Rican Cultural Center BRC Bickerdike Redevelopment Corporation HPEP-ESAT Humboldt Park Empowerment Partnership-Employment/ PSL Pathway Senior Living BT Blocks Together Skills Action Team RES Resurrection Health Care/St. Elizabeth and St. Mary of BU Batey Urbano HPEP-YAT Humboldt Park Empowerment Partnership-Youth Nazareth Hospitals BUILD Broader Urban Involvement & Leadership Development Action Team SBHC Streamwood Behavioral Health Center at St. Mary of CALOR Comprension y Apoyo Latinos Oposicion al Retrovirus, HPLAC Humboldt Park Local Park Advisory Council Nazareth Hospital or Understanding and Support of Latinos Opposed to HIV HPVEC Humboldt Park Vocational Education Center, a branch SC Spanish Coalition for Housing

CASA Casa Central of Wright College SF Safer Foundation CC Chicago Central ICNC Industrial Council of Nearwest Chicago STRIVE Support & Training Result in Valuable Employees CDOT Chicago Department of Transportation IL DCEO Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity TASC Treatment Alternatives for Safer Communities CHO Citizens Health Organization ILM Illinois Maternal TASK Transportation that is Safe and Active for Kids CHP Co-op Humboldt Park at VIDA/SIDA IWS Infant Welfare Society UBWHP United Blocks of West Humboldt Park CJC Chicago Jobs Council KAFT4U Kedzie, Albany, Franklin, & Troy 4 Unity Neighborhood Organization UCC Unity Cooperative Corporation CMHN Chicago Mutual Housing Network LCN La Casa Norte UIC University of Illinois - Chicago CPD Chicago Police Department LL Louise Landau Health Center ULBGC Union League Boys & Girls Club CSB Centro San Bonifacio LPACs Local Park Advisory Councils WHPCPA West Humboldt Park Center for the Performing Arts DOH Chicago Department of Housing LSNA Logan Square Neighborhood Association WHPDC West Humboldt Park Family and Community DPD Chicago Department of Planning & Development LU Latinos United Development Council DSBDA Division Street Business Development Association LUCHA Latin United Community Housing Association WSHA West Side Health Authority EFHC Erie Family Health Center MPC Metropolitan Planning Council WTHC West Town Health Center FM Field Museum NCDHC North Central District Health Council WTLU West Town Leadership United

FP Friends of the Park NCLR National Council of La Raza YSP Youth Service Project FBT Friends of the Bloomingdale Trail NM Night Ministry

40 36 WORK PROGRAM PROGRAM WORK

Schedule and Priorities

STRATEGY TIMEFRAME (YEARS) ORGANIZATIONS

1 2-3 4-5 LEAD ORGANIZATION PARTNER ORGANIZATION

1. IMPROVE LOCAL SCHOOLS USING A COMMUNITY-BASED AND CULTURALLY SENSITIVE APPROACH

Community and School Connections Initiative 1.1 Elementary School Network To be determined ARCH, AHC, BT, BUILD, GNPDC, NNNN, NNWAC, WTLU 1.2 Community Schools WTLU AHC, GNPDC 1.3 Cultural Awareness Program PRCC ARCH, EFHC, FM, WTLU

Student Engagement Initiative 1.4 Student Motivation Project To be determined ARCH, EFHC, FM, WTLU 1.5 Five-Year Vocational High School To be determined AHC, OLP, WTLU 1.6 Student Retention GWTP ASP, AHC, GNPDC, NNNN, PRCC

2. CREATE A COMMUNITY OF WELLNESS WHERE HEALTH IS A DIMENSION OF COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT 2.1 Community Healthcare Work Group BRC, NNNN/HPEP Open to all 2.2 Health Education and Outreach NCDHC AHC, CC, CHO, CHP, CSB, EFHC, LL, PC, RES, WTLU 2.3 Asthma Reduction WTLU AHC, CC, CHO, CSB, EFHC, LL, NCDHC 2.4 HIV/AIDS Reduction EFHC AHC, CALOR, CASA, NM, PC, VIDA/SIDA 2.5 Dental Services EFHC, IWS IWS, NCDHC, PC, WTHC, WTLU 2.6 Substance Abuse AHC, CASA, YSP CC, EFHC, HPVEC, LL, WTLU 2.7 School-Based Clinics PC AHC, CALOR, EFHC, ILM, WTLU 2.8 Active Lifestyle Program CSB AHC, CASA, CC, CHP, EFHC, HPVEC, PC, PSL, RES, TASK, WTLU

40 37 STRATEGY TIMEFRAME (YEARS) ORGANIZATIONS

1 2-3 4-5 LEAD ORGANIZATION PARTNER ORGANIZATION

3. PROVIDE RESOURCES TO SUSTAIN HEALTHY INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES

Economic Stability Initiative 3.1 Center For Working Families AHC CC, EFHC, GNPDC, NHS 3.2 Homeownership Counseling CMHN, LU, NHS, NNNN, WHPDC AHC, BRC, LUCHA, NHS, SC 3.3 Ex-Offender Project To be determined Ald. Ocasio, CC, CJC, Congressman Davis, Faith Inc., SF, STRIVE, TASC, WHPDC, WSHA

Parenting Initiative 3.4 Parenting Information Services WTLU 3.5 Youth Forums WTLU GNPDC 3.6 Child Care Services CC

Social Service Initiative 3.7 Spanish-Language and Immigrant Counseling CASA AHC, CC, CHO, CSB, EFHC, PC, RES, SBHC, WTLU 3.8 Holistic Case Management AHC CALOR, CASA, CC, EFHC, HAS, LCN, PC, SBHC 3.9 Adult Day Care and Home Care CASA CC, PC 3.10 Gay/Lesbian Services YSP AHC, CALOR

4. INCREASE COMMUNITY CONTROL OVER USE OF PHYSICAL RESOURCES

Land Control Initiative 4.1 Community Land Trust WHPDC Ald. Burnett, BRC, CC, DOH, DPD, KAFT4U, NHS 4.2 Development Monitoring DSBDA, GNPDC, NNNN/HPEP, WHPDC BRC, NHS, WTLU 4.3 Zoning Remap BRC Aldermen, NN, NNNN/HPEP, WHPDC

Housing Initiative 4.4 Affordable Rental Housing BRC, NNNN/HPEP Ald. Ocasio, ARCH, DSBDA, HHDC, LUCHA NHS, WHPDC 4.5 Affordable Homeownership HHDC, NHS, NN, NNNN, WHPDC Ald. Ocasio, ARCH, BRC, Ald. Burnett, DOH, DPD, KAFT4U, LUCHA, UBWHP 4.6 Special Needs Housing HHDC, LCN BRC, CASA, NHS, NNNN, PSL 4.7 Fair Housing LU 4.8 Employer Assisted Housing LU GNPDC, ICNC, MPC, RES 4.9 Local Resident Rehab and Home Purchase Support NNNN NHS

38 WORK PROGRAM WORK

STRATEGY TIMEFRAME (YEARS) ORGANIZATIONS

1 2-3 4-5 LEAD ORGANIZATION PARTNER ORGANIZATION

Commercial/Industrial Initiative 4.10 Retail Corridor Development DSBDA, NNNN/HPEP, WHPDC AHC, BRC, CC, DSBDA, GNPDC, UBWHP

Community Facilities Initiative 4.11 Open Space Coalition BRC, FBT, KAFT4U, NN ARCH, CPD, FP, GP, HPLAC, LPACs, LSNA, NNNN, Nobel School, OLP, PD, WHPDC 4.12 Community Facilities Development BT, WHPCPA, WHPDC NHS, UBWHP, Ald. Burnett

5. IN PRODUCTIVE WAYS ENGAGE YOUTH IN THE COMMUNITY 5.1 Youth Leader Program ARCH, CC, GNPDC, NNNN/HPEP-YAT, YSP Block clubs, BRC, CASA, EFHC, HPLAC, OLP, WHPDC, WTLU 5.2 After-School & Summer Programs BRC, CASA, GAP, NNNN/HPEP-YAT ARCH, EFHC, Lafayette Elementary, ULBGC, WHPDC, WTLU WHPCPA, YMCA, YSP 5.3 Youth Employment To be determined Aldermen, ARCH, BRC, DSBDA, LCN, NNNN/HPEP, OLP, WHPDC, YSP

6. IMPROVE PHYSICAL, ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE THROUGH MARKETING, COMMUNICATIONS, BEAUTIFICATION AND SAFETY

Marketing and Communications Initiative 6.1 Economic Development Summit DSBDA GNPDC, NNNN, WHPDC 6.2 Community Resource Guide BRC AHC, ARCH, CC, EFHC, GNPDC, HHDC, NCDHC, NNNN/HPEP, SBHC UCC, WHPDC 6.3 Community Walk/Bike Map OSC ARCH, CBF, NNWAC

Community Identity and Beautification Initiative 6.4 Focus On The Park HPLAC PD, DSBDA, NNNN/HPEP, OSC 6.5 Gateway Development DSBDA, NNNN, WHPDC CDOT, IL DCEO, NNWAC, OSC, UBWHP 6.6 Community Art and Murals NNNN/HPEP, WHPDC ARCH, CC 6.7 Paseo Boricua DSBDA PRCC 6.8 Cultural Bridge Program BRC BU, CC, EFHC, LU, NNNN, WHPDC

Safety Initiative 6.9 CAPS Promotion BRC Block clubs, beat facilitators, CPD, NHS 6.10 Community Safety Initiative BRC Block clubs, CC, CPD, elected officials, NHS, NNNN/HPEP, UBWHP, WHPDC

39 STRATEGY TIMEFRAME (YEARS) ORGANIZATIONS

1 2-3 4-5 LEAD ORGANIZATION PARTNER ORGANIZATION

7. PROVIDE JOBS THROUGH TRAINING AND LOCAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Job Training Initiative 7.1 Healthcare Careers HPVEC AHC, ASP, CASA, CC, CHO, CSB, EFHC, NCDHC, UIC 7.2 Career Training HPVEC HHDC, NNNN/HPEP, WHPDC 7.3 Basic Skills Training Coordination AHC, HPEP-ESAT CC, CHO, GNPDC, HPVEC

Business Development and Support Initiative 7.4 Minority/Latino Contractors Association DSBDA BRC, HCC, NNNN/HPEP, WHPDC 7.5 Access To Small Business Resources DSBDA, GNPDC NNNN/HPEP 7.6 Technologies Business Development HPVEC State Rep. Soto, NCLR, NNNN/HPEP

40 41 42 New Communities Program For more information Staff and Consultants NCP is a long-term initiative of Local Initiatives Support Joy Aruguete Executive Director LISC/Chicago Corporation/Chicago to support comprehensive community Dena Al-Khatib Program Manager–NCP Andrew Mooney Senior Program Director development in Chicago neighborhoods. It seeks to rejuvenate Raul Echevarria Outreach Worker–NCP Amanda Carney Director, New Communities Program challenged communities, bolster those in danger of losing Bickerdike Redevelopment Corp. Susana Vasquez Deputy Director, ground and preserve the diversity of areas in the path of 2550 W. North Ave. New Communities Program gentrification. Each effort is led by a neighborhood-based Chicago, Illinois 60647 Patrick Barry Scribe Coordinator and Editor lead agency that coordinates programs among other local (773) 278-5669 Ed Finkel Scribe organizations and citywide support groups. www.bickerdike.org The program gives each of the lead agencies several Camiros Ltd. resources: two full-time staff positions (an NCP director and Susana Vasquez Deputy Director, Leslie S. Pollock Principal Planner organizer), technical support for planning and documenting the New Communities Program Jeanne Kamps Lindwall Project Planner planning process, a pool of loan and grant funds distributed on LISC/Chicago Jose Magan Urban Designer a competitive basis for project seed money, and opportunities 1 N. LaSalle St., 12th Floor Jing Cui Urban Designer for learning from both peers and subject-area experts. Chicago, IL 60602 Denise Lea Planner All NCP neighborhoods spend their first year undertaking 312-697-6102 Dena Hicks Landscape Architect a structured community planning process that leads to the www.newcommunities.org quality-of-life plan, then move on to implementation. They www.lisc-chicago.org Kym Abrams Design, Inc. are encouraged to be “doing while planning,” undertaking Kym Abrams Creative Director short-term “Early Action Projects” such as launching a youth Kelly Komp Design Manager program, opening an employment center, creating public art Andy Eltzroth Designer or sponsoring local health fairs. NCP is designed to strengthen communities from within Illustration and Photo Credits – through planning, organizing and human development. Steven Mach illustration, page 16 The comprehensive approach is designed to help broaden Bickerdike Redevelopment Corp., pages 2, 14 opportunities for local residents through better education, Camiros, Ltd., page 13, 15 broader housing choices, safer streets, stronger personal Juan Francisco Hernandez, page 26 finances and new economic opportunities. The strengthened John Knox, page 11 community is better equipped to take advantage of larger NNNN/HPEP, cover (middle left) market forces, attract new investment and enhance the NNNN/HPEP Youth Action Team/Batey Youth, overall quality of life. cover (far left, middle right), page 29 Fernando Prieto, page 21 Eric Young Smith, pages 3, 19 West Humboldt Park Family and Community Development Council, cover (far right)

43 The New Communities Program (NCP) is supported by a major grant from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. Additional funding has been provided by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, Joyce Foundation, Lloyd A. Fry Foundation, Living Cities, Mayor’s Office of Workforce Development, Nationwide Insurance, Partnership for New Communities, Polk Bros. Foundation and Surdna Foundation. www.lisc-chicago.org www.newcommunities.org