There are over 10,000 empty lots in the city of Chicago, most of which are on the West and South sides. These empty lots are eyesores to the community. Those lots can become affordable housing, gardens, murals, parks, etc. Creating value for these lots can decrease violence in the area. According to researchers at Columbia University, restoring vacant lots can reduce gun violence by 29%, burglaries by 22%, and nuisance crimes by 30%.
Every year there is a Vacant Property Leadership Institute. This year, it will be taken place from November 7 to 10, 2023, in Austin, Texas. The University of Texas will be hosting at the AT&T Hotel and Conference Center. This conference is to prepare leaders (sent by the mayor) with the knowledge on how to reform these empty lots. Lots owned by the city are easier to revitalize than the ones with private owners.
Nonprofit Organizations
Nonprofit organizations like Emerald South Economic Development Collaborative work to repurpose empty lots by adding murals, cleaning up the area, or planting plants and herbs. These murals can give underrated artists a chance to shine. So far, this nonprofit organization has already worked on 67 acres worth of lots.
Every dollar sold on the Mrs. Meyer Clean Day website will go to the Lots of Compassion program. Lots of Compassion is partnering with Emerald South Economic Development Collaborative to turn the vacant lots in Woodlawn into gardens.
Previously in 2019, Lori Lightfoot invested $2.2 billion in West and South Side Black and brown communities. Citizens can view vacant lots and submit applications on Chi Block Builder. These lots are to be bought or redeveloped.
The city of Chicago has acquired $87 million to help revitalize these empty lots. Recently, North Lawndale received a new park worth $1.5 million called WACA Bell Park with the help of city leaders and nonprofit organizations. Chi Block Builder is one nonprofit that helped make the new park possible.
Additionally, The Come Home Initiative is where 42 firms are working to provide Auburn Gresham, Bronzeville, East Garfield Park, Englewood, Humboldt Park, and Woodlawn with single-family homes where the vacant lots are. There are currently working to build 30-100 housing units.
Benefits
All of the vacant lots are a waste of space, without a purpose. The repurposing of empty lots comes with benefits. Residents will be more inclined to go outside due to the increase in safety in the community and the eyesores ceasing to exist, making the neighborhood look better. Spending time outdoors will also improve the mental health of residents.
Environmentalists view these empty spaces as ecological opportunities. Some lots provide housing to animals and insects due to the high amount of grass and plants. Researchers at the University of Illinois-Chicago studied which plants and animal species occur naturally in these lots. Some plants present are dandelion, box elder tree, and foxtail. The animal species were various species of bees.
Gardens
This research helps determine the best plants to put in the new gardens based on which plants will thrive in the area and attract the wildlife needed. These gardens provide benefits to the community besides the fact that it is beautiful.
Explicitly, the gardens provide oxygen from the plants, and the trees absorb water preventing storm runoff. Specifically, poplar trees can be harvested and used for wood products. In addition, poplar trees can help prevent the flooding of residents’ basements after storms.
The flowers in the garden will attract bees, which are vital for ecosystems. Furthermore, bees help prevent soil erosion, create medicine, and help pollinate flowers and food crops. Overall, gardens are a great addition to communities.
The future for both Chicago’s West and South sides is looking bright. As shown above, there are several plans in motion to help fix the problem of the thousands of vacant lots. Black and brown communities deserve to live in places that look as beautiful as other communities in Chicago.
By Brynn Walker
Sources:
WTTW: The Intricate Ecology…of Vacant Lots
Architect: How Is Chicago Addressing Its Vacant Lot Problem?
ABC 7 News: Chicago nonprofit Emerald South beautifying vacant land with ‘Lots of Compassion’
Center for Community Progress: 2023-24 Vacant Property Leadership Institute FAQS
Dwell: Chicago Calls On the World’s Best to Design Infill Housing on Its Thousands of Empty Lots
PR Newswire: Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Pledges to Transform Vacant Lot Space Through ‘Lots of Compassion’ Multi-Year Investment
Featured Image Courtesy of Eric Allix Rogers’ Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Inset Image Courtesy of Elizabeth Meyer1’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
