‘Opportunity to have access’: Englewood residents get land to build dreams for the community and themselves
CHICAGO (CBS) — It is a a single-of-a-variety present that is assisting fortify and beautify a single Chicago neighborhood.
CBS 2’s Steven Graves introduces us to a person fortunate winner and his programs to pour love into his neighborhood.
As Dr. Marlon Haywood walks down Loomis near 62nd avenue in Englewood…
“I experienced family members that stayed in that property, I had spouse and children that stayed in that setting up.”
There are sweet moments of his childhood expended with Grandma come to intellect.
“She experienced a candy retail outlet on the block with the sweet and the icy cups.”
It’s also the place a aspiration designed.
“I utilised to walk past the abandoned properties when I was youthful and would say ‘who’s heading to be the just one to make that alter?”
Now at 35 years old, he is a part of that modify, going for walks on his freshly owned great deal, only ft from where by he grew up with his grandma.
He won the 3,720 vacant parcel this earlier Sunday, entirely free of charge. The Resident Association of Bigger Englewood or R.A.G.E. teamed up with the Cook dinner County Land Bank to celebrate Juneteenth. Winners had to personal home on the block wherever the vacant great deal was.
“They have the possibility to have obtain, just obtaining the chance to own a little something on their block,” reported Acquisition Specialist Elisha Sanders.
A normal sized whole lot of 32-50 square-feet in Englewood can run somebody up $3,500.
“At the conclusion of the day, we want individuals to be ready to move along one thing to their families which is well worth worth,” stated Aisha Butler of RAGE.
While this is initiative is concentrated on filling vacant land, there is also a push to address the situation of vacant properties. RAGE estimates almost 50% of housing stock in Englewood is vacant. They assist deal with the trouble by way of their Re-UP campaign and other giveaways.
Haywood, a youth mentor, said he plans to bring trailers into the empty whole lot and transform them into a protected room for younger men and women.
Providing again and developing a constructive legacy.
“When you appear back again 5 yrs later, you happen to be heading to say ‘wow.’ There is a motion I feel like is about to take area and improve this Englewood group.”
In all, 11 parcels of land were being handed out for no cost. The Cook dinner County Land Lender Authority ideas to guidebook new house owners in establishing the land.
