Housing Project May Close- Residents Dismayed

The Chicago Housing Authority is considering tearing down a 300-unit public housing project, with a vote expected Tuesday. Residents are understandably unhappy, and advocates say the demand for affordable housing is already greater than supply.

1 minute read

September 14, 2008, 7:00 AM PDT

By Tim Halbur

"Hundreds of residents of LeClaire Courts, a troubled housing development near Midway Airport on the Southwest Side, are awaiting word whether their homes will be shuttered.

The Chicago Housing Authority Board of Commissioners is scheduled to vote Tuesday on whether to end its LeClaire Courts contract with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Built by the CHA in 1950, LeClaire Courts is a project-based housing development commonly known as a "Section 8." Federal funding is based on occupancy of its 314 units, 164 of which have residents. If the contract ends, the residents might be forced to leave within a year."

"'This is the only home I know,' said Rosalee Rankins, 47, a mother of four who lives in LeClaire Courts. 'We need this.'"

FULL STORY: LeClaire Courts residents await word whether development will be shut down

Thursday, September 11, 2008 in Chicago Tribune

Housing Illinois Housing Projects

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Start Learning

Advertise with us

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.