CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Residents in the Pilsen neighborhood have called on Mayor Brandon Johnson to help alleviate the surging property tax burden on area homes and businesses through the use of TIF funds.
The press conference came almost one week after Pilsen voters approved an advisory resolution that asked residents if the government should provide assistance to homeowners and businesses with property tax bill increases of more than 40%.
Pilsen resident Diana Sandoval said the voters have made their desire clear.
“Mayor, please listen,” she said. “The people have spoken; Eighty-nine percent said, ‘Yes, you must help us. You must use our taxpayer funds to help us because we are the ones that put that money in the budget.’”
Sandoval said the surplus funds will help residents to stay in their homes.
“We don’t want to become the homeless and have more people to take care of,” she said. “Please help us stay in our homes by keeping our properties affordable.”
Members of the community have gathered multiple times this year to discuss the best course of action regarding the property tax increase.
At a meeting in February, retired teacher Teresa Fraga spoke up. Fraga said she and her husband have owned a two-flat with a coach house since 1979.
“I get this bill for $14,000,” she said. “I was expecting $2,000. When I saw it, I wasn’t angry. I thought it was a mistake.”
She appealed the assessment, and her tax bill was lowered a few thousand dollars, but Fraga said the tax bill would still end up being nearly double what she was used to paying.
Residents in the area received the largest property tax hikes of any neighborhood citywide, according to local Ald. Byron Sigcho Lopez (25th).
WBBM’s Bernie Tafoya contributed to this report.
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