By Ed Lowe
Senior Writer
For several years rumors have circulated in Lake View and Roscoe Village about the demise of the Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) project known as Lathrop Homes, located at 2800 N. Damen Ave. (at Clybourn Ave.). Because of its location and the high-priced housing going up in the immediate area, it was rumored that the CHA would dispose of the property along the Chicago River and offer it for sale to private developers. This pattern has been followed by the CHA in the past; the most notable example of this is Cabrini-Green where developers lined up to take over the land west of Old Town that was vacated by the blighted high-rise apartment buildings.
According to Derek Hill, spokesperson for the CHA, no such plans are under way regarding Lathrop. In fact, according to Hill, there are continuing improvements under way at the development, one of the first public housing projects in America whose ribbon was cut by none other than First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. These improvements include the river walk that has been built with City and State funds that was opened two years ago.
Another project, expected to begin this summer, entails the upgrading of certain senior citizen units in the project. Both public and private funds are being applied to the upgrade effort. Work will include new kitchen appliances, the installation of air conditioners in each unit, new floors where needed and new tile on those floors, as well as new lighting.
Minimum displacement of residents will take place during this work project and the continuation of CHA presence in the area will be assured, according to Hill. |
