T
he Chicago City Council has passed a new ordinance aimed at preserving affordable housing on the city's Northwest Side. The Northwest Side Housing Preservation Ordinance, spearheaded by aldermen Carlos Ramirez-Rosa, Daniel La Spata, and Jessie Fuentes, imposes penalties on developers who demolish two- to four-flat apartment buildings. These structures have long been home to middle- and working-class residents.

    Developers will face fines of $20,000 per unit and $60,000 per building if they choose to tear down these types of buildings. The ordinance aims to protect housing affordability in rapidly changing neighborhoods such as Hermosa, Logan Square, Avondale, West Town, and Humboldt Park.

    Proponents of the ordinance see it as a necessary safeguard against gentrification and displacement. "The No. 1 concern I hear every day is 'I can't afford to live here anymore,'" Fuentes said. The ordinance gives tenants the right of first refusal when their building goes up for sale, empowering renters to purchase the property before it can be sold to developers.

    The ordinance builds on a successful pilot program that protected similar multifamily buildings along the 606 trail and in Pilsen. Under the new ordinance, fees from demolitions will be directed to affordable housing trusts, with higher surcharge rates aimed at preserving more housing stock. The ordinance also legalizes the construction of two-flats within boundaries zoned for single-family homes, promoting even more housing options in these gentrifying areas.

    The measure was overwhelmingly supported by the city council, with only three aldermen voting against it. Alderman William Conway argued that the ordinance could reduce housing supply and discourage new developments. However, proponents believe it will help protect the diversity and historic character of their neighborhoods.