A celebration of the new Albany Park amenities was disrupted by neighbors arguing over what to do about the unhoused residents living in tents at the park since spring.
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ALBANY PARK — An event to celebrate a new plaza in Ronan Park that was years in the making became the latest backdrop in an ongoing debate about unhoused residents living in the city’s public parks.
The public plaza at 2900 W. Lawrence Ave., designed by Perkins and Will and Omni Ecosystems, features a performance stage and enhanced seating along with a bike repair station and other amenities alongside the North Branch of the Chicago River.
From the Article:
Overall, there aren’t enough resources to meet current demand, officials said.
The 33rd Ward office isn’t equipped to solve the city’s homelessness crisis alone and until long-term funding can be found, Rodriguez-Sanchez relied on a network of neighbors, nonprofits, mutual aid groups and small business owners to help people living in the encampment, she said.
“The only way that we’re gonna be able to house people is by getting the revenue to do so. And for that we need to tax the rich,” Rodriguez-Sanchez said Wednesday night. “I really wish I had housing available to just put people into.”
