Prolific Humboldt Park developer plans more housing amid criticism of its veterans housing complex

A prolific nonprofit developer of affordable housing units in Humboldt Park has come under fire for what tenants have called shoddy work and unkept promises.

Hispanic Housing Development Corporation has three residential developments in the works, but allegations against its veterans’ housing complex in the neighborhood have renewed criticism of the firm, according to Block Club Chicago.

Hispanic Housing’s 65th Infantry “Borinqueneers” Veterans Housing, at 1045 North Sacramento Avenue, is accused of providing units that have cracked walls and mold, and for failing to provide the medical and social services promised to its low-income and homeless veteran tenants, according to the report.

Thanks in large part to the popularity of the 606 Trail, Humboldt Park has seen skyrocketing home prices along with worries of gentrification from residents.

Now, Hispanic Housing Development is working on three new projects in the Humboldt Park neighborhood.

In late 2018, Hispanic Housing bought a community center in Humboldt Park, with plans to build affordable units geared toward seniors and families. The firm also bought the vacant property at 1201 North California Avenue, where it intends to build 40 family housing units, according to Block Club. Hispanic Housing is also looking to build 111 senior housing units on a part of Roberto Clemente High School’s parking lot.

It is unclear if those projects have the blessing of Alderman Roberto Maldonado (26th). The alderman has received $9,000 from the Hispanic Housing CEO Hipolito Roldan, and he has not publicly commented on the senior housing center’s troubles. [Block Club] — Joe Ward