The Kenwood-Oakland community organization marched Saturday and was asking the full city council to pass an ordinance that guarantees 20 percent of Olympic village units will become affordable housing. The city's finance committee approved the ordinance last week, but the organization claims Chicago is dragging its feet on making it legally binding.
Another group called Housing Bronzeville is also pressing Chicago for a commitment. The group says the city agreed to provide 500 vacant lots at a $1 each to build affordable homes.
"We have asked the city, Mayor Daley and Mr. Patrick Ryan of Chicago 2016 to stand up with us and say to the world, 'We are prepared to help stir the soul through our Olympic bid by working for the rebirth of Bronzeville with affordable homes for Bronzeville's moderate-income residents," said Kenneth Williams of Housing Bronzeville.
Housing Bronzeville delivered letters to the IOC, asking it to insist that Chicago provide affordable housing in Bronzeville.
