Related’s pursuit of public funding for Sox stadium ignites protest

Related Midwest’s South Loop megadevelopment, The 78, and its possible inclusion of a new Chicago White Sox stadium has ignited a wave of excitement across the city. But not everyone is happy about it.

Tenants of Northpoint Apartments, a subsidized housing complex in Rogers Park, voiced discontent recently, alleging wretched living conditions while Related Midwest, their landlord, seeks public funding for the stadium, Block Club reported. 

The residents rallied outside the offices of Related Midwest, demanding action on long-standing concerns at their affordable housing complex.

The protest aimed to draw attention to the disparity between the allocation of public funds for high-profile projects like the proposed stadium at The 78 — a $7 billion mixed-use hub — and the alleged property neglect residents face at Northpoint Apartments. White Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf’s request for up to $1 billion in public funding for the stadium project has been met with skepticism, particularly from Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker.

Related Midwest has already secured substantial public funding for infrastructure improvements at The 78 site. However, residents of Northpoint Apartments argue that further subsidies for the South Loop project should be withheld until their concerns are addressed.

Lack of cleanliness, crime and unfair rent increases are among the complaints residents have raised. Persistent problems such as flooding, mold and security lapses have severely impacted their daily lives, residents said. 

“Does it make sense to look us in the face and say we can’t hire more staff for cleaning. We [are giving] them $1 billion,” Marc Kaplan of Northside Action For Justice told the outlet. “Where’s the logic?”

Although Related Midwest has spent $21 million on upgrades since acquiring the complex in 2019, residents claim that their grievances have been largely ignored, the outlet reported. 

Following the rally, residents sought a meeting with Related Midwest officials to discuss their concerns. Alderman Byron Sigcho Lopez scrutinized the management of subsidized housing units in Chicago, calling for greater accountability from developers.

Representatives from various political offices also attended the rally, signaling broader support for the residents’ cause. 

—Quinn Donoghue 

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