Is Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s new plan to transform Chicago’s neighborhood another opportunity to put illegals before citizens? | The Gateway expert

Chicago’s LaSalle Street has long been an important business and financial center for the city.

But if Mayor Brandon Johnson has his way, the area will be transformed into “affordable housing,” with some suggesting it’s yet another scheme to put the interests of illegals over citizens.

Blockclub Chicago reports this that “four potential developments have been chosen as part of the LaSalle Street Reimagined initiative, a plan aimed at helping the corridor recover from pandemic vacancies,” which “would add more than 1,000 new apartments, at least 319 of which would be affordable.” ”

On Friday, the City Council will vote on Johnson’s request for $1.25 billion for affordable housing loans.

This is in addition to Johnson’s request for $70 million in additional city funding to care for illegal immigrants, which was sent to the full Council by the Budget and Government Operations Committee on a 20-8 vote.

The real deal explained Johnson’s plan:

The plan calls for $1.25 billion in bonds to be allocated over five years, with $250 million to be split annually between the city’s Department of Planning and Development and the Department of Housing for economic development and housing programs.

It would also allow numerous TIF districts to expire, and tax dollars recovered from those districts to be used to fund this initiative. This shift marks a break from Chicago’s traditional reliance on TIF funds for its developments, removing geographic barriers to spending the money.

Chicago reporter William B. Kelly has questions, though.

Kelly shared on X: “Will Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson get $1.25 billion to convert LaSalle Street into migrant housing? I know many of you are furious with Chicago Mayor Johnson, and I don’t blame you. If you are angry and frustrated, understand this. The #Chicago City Council plans to vote on its $1.25 billion affordable housing loan plan this Friday. This is in addition to the $70 million request he made for #migrant housing and care. This $1.25 billion cash grab is what he really wants – and he wants to use that money to convert Chicago’s LaSalle Street into taxpayer-funded apartments for immigrants. His tent city of Brighton Park failed and his Bring Chicago Home Referendum failed. He can’t afford for this to fail either. So don’t get distracted by things that don’t work. As a resident, as a voter and as a citizen, you have more power than you think. Like, comment and share this report widely. If you have any concerns about this, please express your opposition and contact your councillor.”

Watch Kelly expose Johnson’s plan:

Will Mayor Brandon Johnson get $1.25 billion to convert LaSalle Street into migrant housing? I know many of you are furious with Chicago Mayor Johnson, and I don’t blame you. If you are angry and frustrated, understand this. The #Chicago The city council plans to vote on its affordable… pic.twitter.com/Qcv5F6SPQh

— Reporter William J. Kelly #thatreporter (@Williamjkelly) April 18, 2024