Long-awaited planning process for Lathrop Homes begins

Developers address Lathrop residents at kick-off meeting

11/18/2011 5:48 PM

By IAN FULLERTON
Contributing Reporter

2 Comments - Add Your Comment

Representatives from the Chicago Housing Authority and the team selected to redevelop the Julia C. Lathrop Homes met with residents and neighbors in Hamlin Park Wednesday night to share their preliminary vision for the project.

The meeting, held at New Life Community Church, 2928 N. Damen Ave., was lead by CHA officials, Ald. Proco “Joe” Moreno (1st) and Kerry Dickson, senior vice president of Related Midwest, one of several firms that make up the Lathrop Community Partners, the group which will lead the redevelopment of the 75-year-old public housing complex.

That project is expected rework the resident make-up and density of the 925-unit Lathrop development, which currently operates at about 22 percent occupancy. Residents and community groups in the surrounding neighborhood have stated that the plans for the homes should exclude the construction of market-rate units and prioritize the reuse of existing buildings at the site.

Wednesday’s presentation, which included a short video followed by a question-and-answer session, alluded to a project that would emphasize community inclusion in the planning process, but little else.

“We don’t have plan yet, that is what this is all about,” said Bill Little, executive vice president of development for CHA.
Among the questions posed to LCP members and CHA, residents asked what to expect regarding the possible demolition of the homes.

“Again, we haven’t made any decisions,” said Dickson. “We clearly have not made decisions to tear down buildings at Lathrop.”

The development team is expected to hold three “workshop” meetings in December to discuss various elements of the redevelopment, including environmental building options and the marketing of units at Lathrop.

Dickson said that a master plan for the project was expected by summer 2012.


2 Comments - Add Your Comment



By Boyee from Mid-North in Lincoln Park
Posted: 11/21/2011 6:58 PM

Lincoln Park have should be at least 1/2 market rate.


By Boyee from Mid-North in Lincoln Park
Posted: 11/21/2011 6:56 PM

What is going to happen to the Lincoln Park half of the Lathrop Homes (southern half)?