CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Leaders of various faiths raised their voices in unison on Tuesday in favor of the so-called Bring Chicago Home referendum on the March primary ballot.
Rev. Alvin Love, the pastor of Lilydale First Baptist Church, said voters should approve Question No. 1 on the ballot — the Bring Chicago Home Ordinance — because Chicago is a city of neighborhoods.
“Unfortunately, we’ve left too many of our neighbors on the other side of the street,” he said. “We walk by them every day, with no place to sleep.”
Rabbi Ariyeh Bernstein, with the Jewish Council on Urban Affairs, said raising the real estate transfer tax on the sale of properties worth $1 million or more can help fulfill the city’s obligation to help those in need.
“We will raise significant public funds specifically directed toward long-term housing, with the wraparound supports that enable people to stay housed,” he said.
Chicago City Council Housing Committee Chair Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25th) said he knows the real estate industry and other business groups are opposed. Despite the industry’s campaign, though, Sigcho-Lopez said he expects the measure will be approved.
“In my opinion, [the referendum] is in line with what residents are saying: Those who have the ability to pay, should pay and contribute, especially in the city of Chicago,” he said. “Many of them are out-of-state, out-of-town developers, and I think it’s time for them to contribute their fair share.”
The Southland Black Chamber of Commerce, which opposes Bring Chicago Home, has predicted the measure will raise rents and hurt the real estate market — something backers deny.
The primary is March 19.
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