Chicagoist: What's Up Down South

Gino

Mon, 19 Feb 2007 16:50:50 -0600

See, this is the interesting thing, a lot of people are often surprised to hear that Chinatown is part of the 25th Ward. All the talk has been about how there is a Chicano struggle for power in the 25th, which makes me think that Chinatown should really not be a part of this ward, paying into it, but not deriving any of its benefits. I'm a little hazy on how the politicking led to this division, since we historically have been part of the infamous 1st Ward, but I should probably find out. Any insights would be helpful. . .

PilsenSlav

Tue, 30 Jan 2007 11:32:12 -0600

It is good insight. From my perspective I think Alderman Solis has used the TIF funds very responsibly and shown good morale character in his spending patterns. I think he is above reproach on the TIF despite the malarcky his opponents spout. 12 Million dollars spent on the Juarez High School expansion, TIF money used to relocate South Water Market to a new state of the art facility, a new Target developed on difficult land which will pay back enormous dividends in sales tax revenue and employment. Overall, while at times I disagree with him, he has shown incredible fortitude and is a visionary who represents the interests of the current residents of all stripes and his planning going forward, whether in building as much affordable rental as he can or continuing to green the neighborhood, reduce pollution, assist homeowners with tax freezes, hold free legal and architectural clinics, etc etc makes me wonder why some give him such a bad rap. Jealousy maybe? Greed? Power? Who knows. Ah, politics.

Hugh

Tue, 30 Jan 2007 10:14:09 -0600

> ... this race is as much about getting control over the spoils of TIF money and development in the ward as it is about making political careers this is a good insight, a claim, an actual analysis!

curmudgeon

Mon, 29 Jan 2007 09:47:47 -0600

No real choice is spot on. The excon is my personal favorite.