A heated local debate over a proposal for new veteran's housing in Humboldt Park has led to charges of racism, according to DNAinfo. Ald. Roberto Maldonado (26th), who supports the proposal to build the 49-unit 65th Infantry Borinqueneers Building at 1045 N. Sacramento Avenue, claimed social media push-back has veered into racist territory. The opposition Humboldt Park Neighbors association says that charge is off-base, claiming their push-back and petition stem from fears of increased density. The zoning application that would allow the proposed six-story structure on land donated by Norwegian Hospital may open up the possibility for multi-story units on nearby lots, they say, which would change the character of the neighborhood.
This week is a crucial one for the project, named after a famed regiment awarded a Congressional Gold Medal. Tomorrow night, a meeting is being held at the Humboldt Park Field House, a day before an important city hearing. The tension arrives as neighborhood development continues to make some long-time residents nervous about potential changes to the landscape.
UPDATE: The developer, Pappageorge Haymes, has sent us their updated rendering for the proposal, a 49-unit, four-story building shown below.
· Maldonado: Opposition to Veteran Housing 'Sounding Like Racist' Comments [DNAinfo]
·
Previous Hispanic Housing Development Corporation Coverage [Curbed]
Loading comments...