CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Advocates for a Bring Chicago Home ordinance rallied on Michigan Avenue against those who are lobbying against it.
Housing advocates marched to the offices of the Chicago Association of Realtors, who are opposed to a hike in the real estate transfer tax for residences sold for more than one million dollars. The revenue would fund housing and programs for the homeless.
Owen Levin, an activist with the Jewish Council on Urban Affairs, said the realtors have been lying about the planned referendum on the measure.
"They said Bring Chicago Home fails to address Chicago's homelessness problems. As someone who has lived that life, yes...it will. Bring Chicago home is what we need."
Ryan Spangler, with Heartland Alliance Health, said if 68,000 Chicagoans were drowning in Lake Michigan, the city would mobilize. He said 68,000 are drowning in poverty and homelessness.
"Let's keep it real. The realtors are opposed to bring Chicago home, because they feel this policy will take a small amount of change out of their already overstuffed pockets."
A statement from the Realtors Association said this legislation will discourage investment in our city and increase the cost of housing and won’t help Chicago remain a vibrant place to live, work and play.
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