CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Residents of the city’s Pilsen neighborhood, who were stunned by their latest property tax bills, will gather tonight at Benito Juarez High School to discuss their options.
Pilsen property values have skyrocketed as the neighborhood, which is relatively close to downtown, has become more popular. That has created frustration for long-time residents, especially those on fixed incomes.
Retired teacher Teresa Fraga, who serves on the board of the Pilsen Neighbors Community Council, has lived in the neighborhood for more than 50 years. She and her husband have owned their two-flat with a coach house in the back since 1979.
“I get this bill for $14,000,” Fraga said. “I was expecting $2,000. When I saw it, I wasn’t angry. I thought it was a mistake.”
Fraga appealed the assessment, and her tax bill was lowered a few thousand dollars, but she said it’ll still wind up being nearly double what she was used to paying.
Fraga said she and others want to stay where they are and not be priced out.
“It’s a treasure,” she said. “It’s a story of working people. It’s a story, it’s a proud story.”
When Fraga first received her latest property tax bill, she couldn’t bring herself to tell her family members who live on her property because she was too afraid to tell them.
She did talk to neighbors and friends, though, and asked them about their property tax bills.
“People were angry,” Fragas said. “They were frustrated. People were crying.”
A check of real estate listings in Pilsen can give you an understanding why property tax assessments are skyrocketing, but that’s little solace to long-time residents of the community.
“Everybody wants to live in Pilsen, but so do we,” said Fraga. “So do we, the ones who have been here for so long.”
Fraga’s son lives on the first floor of her and husband’s two-flat. Their daughter lives in the coach house. Fraga said Pilsen is home, and they’re not leaving.
Doors for tonight’s meeting open at 6:00 p.m. at Benito Juarez High School at Cermak Road and Ashland Avenue. The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m.
Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi is expected to be at the meeting, Fraga said, to explain how his office reassesses properties. Other elected officials have been invited, as well.
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