Should Pilsen welcome a new historic district? Let’s ask the people of Pilsen

As I write this, permits are pending for the demolition of three properties that could dramatically change the landscape of 18th Street in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood.

A couple miles away in the confines of City Hall, the Commission on Chicago Landmarks will vote Thursday on a recommendation from the city’s Department of Planning and Development to designate a mile-and-a-half stretch of 18th Street as a historic landmark district.

Rich Hein / Sun-Times file

While today’s vote is merely adopting a non-binding recommendation, it’s also a reminder that there is a much bigger conversation we need to have not only in Pilsen, but in neighborhoods across our city: What can we do to truly preserve the social fabric of our communities?

The ultimate decision to approve or reject the proposed Pilsen Historic District, which would include more than 800 buildings erected between 1875 and 1910 and murals done between 1978 and today, cannot be made in haste when it comes up for a vote in City Council.

We need ample community input and a comprehensive understanding of the benefits, consequences and options available to ensure that this is a net benefit for our residents, many of whom are losing their apartments and homes to the lure of big money from developers.

A one-off public meeting that garnered little-to-no consensus from the people affected most by such a permanent designation does not cut it.

It is critical that we hold more public meetings and make an informed and responsible decision on a proposal that would determine the trajectory of a neighborhood that’s been home to generations of immigrants, Mexican-Americans, artists and families.

I will continue to gather community feedback and I will not approve any proposals that could harm our most vulnerable neighbors.

Gone are the days of decisions made in isolation by those in power who put our neighborhoods in jeopardy. I am committed to working with residents and small businesses in the coming months to put forward a plan that will address displacement and high housing costs.

It’s a promising sign that Mayor-elect Lori Lightfoot understands the importance of community perspective, and I’m pleased that her proposed overhaul for aldermanic prerogative leaves zoning in the hands of the aldermen who are responsive to the needs of the communities they represent.

There is no simple solution to the displacement that plagues our neighborhoods in the 25th Ward, but I can assure you that no decision will be made without inclusive dialogue.

Byron Sigcho-Lopez is alderman-elect of the 25th Ward.

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