You cannot help but acknowledge the spectacular views the Chicago White Sox and Chicago Bears' new stadiums. Of course, it will costs the tax payers $5.9 billion to build the stadiums and refinance existing debt, totaling $6.9 billion.
Now, lawmakers went on a tour to the proposed White Sox stadium to take in the view of the skyline, I would like to invite our lawmakers in the City and Springfield on a tour as well. We can possible get a charter bus for a day to drive to several areas on Chicago's far south side and we will show them what $6.9 billion would do for our communities.
First, I would take a tour along the 5.6-mile Red Line Extension (RLE) project and show them the CTA Transit Supportive Development (TSD) Plan to build around the proposed RLE stations. With just $1.7 billion investment, the TSD will create 3,385 new infill and rehab housing units and 118,000 square feet of new retail. This will be in alignment with the RLE project that will create 2,500 construction jobs and 700 permanent jobs.
Second, I would take them to tour the Roseland Medical District (RMD), which is a 95-acre designated district in the heart of Roseland and extended to Michigan Avenue. The plan initially calls for a $1 billion investment into more than 800,000 - 1 million square feet of medical and research facilities, community service facilities, retail, and housing.
Third, I would have them tour South Halsted Street between 99th and 122nd Streets as a part of Far South Community Development Corporation Bringing Communities Back Initiative to invest $800 million to build 1,000 new infill and rehab housing units, 50,000 square feet of new and renovated existing retail, and new parks and art spaces.
Fourth, I would invest $500 million into the Reclaiming Chicago Initiative lead by The Hope Center Foundation and Chicago Neighborhood Initiatives to build 1,000 single-family housing units on the south side.
Fifth, I would invest $500 million into Altgeld Gardens for home improvements, environmental justice, and riverfront improvements for pedestrian experience.
Sixth, I would invest $1 billion into implementing the Master Plan of the 1,800 acre Illinois International Port District.
Seventh, I would invest $200 million into the West Pullman Industrial site for environmental cleanup and new industrial facilities.
Eighth, I would invest $500 million into Chicago State University and the 95th Street Corrdior Plan. Plus, add the new Intercity Bus Center.
Ninth, I would invest $550 million to add 500 affordable housing units to the West Chatham Market and pedestrian street improvements to make it safer.
Tenth, I would invest $15 million in housing and small business grants for existing residents and businesses.
Would this be a better investment of $6.9 billion so that the wealth is spread to 300,000 people rather than creating more wealth for two billionaire families?
#InvestFarSouth #BCBI
Creative in all I do.
2moWould love to be a part of your team at YETI!