Creating a Ghost Town - Lathrop Homes
It seems that when things are tough, the Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) can make it a lot tougher for families in Lathrop Homes. For over a decade this community has had to live in uncertainty because of CHA policies. Earlier this year, residents received notices requiring them to vacate the north side of the development and move to the south end. This action will leave the north end of Lathrop a ghost town. There will be literally hundreds of abandoned units that families and neighbors must travel through to get to community resources like schools, churches, supermarkets, and parks. While singing “We Shall Not Be Moved,” the Lathrop Leadership Team, which includes Lathrop Residents, Lathrop Alumni, concerned neighbors and other institutions, attended the CHA Board of Commissioners meeting to insist that this unjustified consolidation cease! A long time Lathrop resident urged the board to:Halt the consolidation, so that no families are forced to move until there is a plan for Lathrop Begin leasing up vacant units to families. Start rehab now and embrace full historic preservation. Use at least one vacant building north of Diversey to house a job training program. CHA initially committed to the rehab of Lathrop in the 1st Quarter of 2001, exactly ten years ago. However, the housing authority has continually revised and delayed its plans for Lathrop, leaving the 925-unit development in limbo. In 2010, CHA selected a development team which plans to launch a Planning Process in July 2011. Lathrop Homes is expected to be included on the National Historic Registry this month.
To learn more about Lathrop Homes and how you can support this community, contact Tami Love 773/549-2525, tlove@lsna.net