Number
101221
Version
ORIGINAL
Reference
Sponsor
ALD. DONOVAN AND WITKOWIAK
Title
Resolution appropriating $40,000 from the Development Fund for a retaining wall replacement project at the Council for the Spanish Speaking’s Hillview Building.
Analysis
This resolution approves the transfer and expenditure of $40,000 from the Development Fund capital account for a retaining wall and exit stair addition project at the Council for the Spanish Speaking’s Hillview Building, 1615 S. 22nd Street.
Body
Whereas, Since taking ownership of the Hillview Building, 1615 S. 22nd Street, in 2007, the Council for the Spanish Speaking has invested thousands of dollars into renovating the building -- a former nursing home -- into a community center that provides job training, education and other social services to over 2,000 persons; and
Whereas, Thirty-two persons are now employed in the Hillview Building, while another 350-plus persons per month receive services from an Adult Education/ESL/Works Solution program that prepares them for employment and job training; and
Whereas, By employing 32 persons and providing facilities for education and job training, as well as office space for community organizations that offer job placement services, the Hillview Building project contributes to economic development on the Near South Side; and
Whereas, Because the Council for the Spanish Speaking rents space in the Hillview Building to various organizations and collects rent for Community Advocates’ 28 Transitional Housing Program apartments on the second floor of the structure, the Hillview Building is taxable and its renovation has contributed to growth of the City’s tax base; and
Whereas, A hill and retaining wall behind the Hillview Building have been gradually collapsing onto the rear wall of the building, a problem which was exacerbated by recent heavy rains, during which water and mud came through the rear doors of the building and flooded the entire first floor; and
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