releases: http://rush.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rush-statement-305-mil-choice-neighborhoods-grant-grove-parc-plaza
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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| http://rush.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rush-statement-305-mil-choice-neighborhoods-grant-grove-parc-plaza | Rush Statement on the $30.5 Mil Choice Neighborhoods Grant for Grove Parc Plaza in Woodlawn | 2011-08-31 | 2011 | 2011-08 | Democrat | House | IL | Bobby Rush | R000515 | rush.house.gov | legacy | CONTACT: Renee Ferguson (773) 224-6500 ofc.; (202) 674-0891 mobile Renee.Ferguson@mail.house.gov - or - Sharon Jenkins (202) 225-4372 ofc.; (202) 431-8191 mobile Sharon.Jenkins@mail.house.gov CHICAGO Today, U. S. Rep. Bobby L. Rush joined Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Shaun Donovan, U. S. Senator Richard Durbin and other state and local elected and appointed officials and community stakeholders in a press briefing and tour of some of the grounds and facilities to be revitalized thanks to Obama Administration resources. Chicago is one of five cities nationwide to receive the first Implementation Grants awarded under HUD's Choice Neighborhoods Initiative a new strategic approach intended to help transform high-poverty, distressed neighborhoods into communities with healthy, affordable housing, safe streets, and access to quality educational opportunities. In remarks at this morning's announcement, Rush delivered the following remarks about an initiative that will help revitalize and historic and important part of his congressional district. Secretary Donovan, Mayor Emanuel, Senator Durbin, dignitaries and friends I want to officially welcome you to the First Congressional District of Illinois and to the historically significant Woodlawn community. Secretary Donovan, I hope before you leave that you will meet some of the 27,000 people who live here. They are hardworking, honest and very determined to hold on to this community that they love. In 2005, some of the residents of the Grove Parc development reached out to me in a crisis. Their building had been poorly managed and was hardly fit for anybody to live in. We helped them to organize, we held an affordable housing summit and we trained the residents to become effective advocates for themselves and their families. Using a highly sophisticated business model they then accepted submissions from developers. They chose the Preservation of Affordable Housing (POAH) team, out of Boston, to manage and begin the process of rebuilding their community. The Grove Parc tenants were clear that community' meant much more than just housing. They wanted good schools, grocery stores safety, health care and neighbors who shared their values. The tenants pressured me to pressure HUD to forgive a $12 million mortgage so that POAH could begin its renovation. Last year, we knocked down the old and began building a new Woodlawn Park Development. That brings us to today. Here we stand, in the midst of a tough economy and hard times with something to celebrate. Here we stand, with 67 New Units built and more on the way. Here we stand, with a $30 million investment in the future that will pay tremendous dividends for the American taxpayers. Here we stand, a powerful reminder of what an organized and determined community can doif they have just a little bit of help. I am proud that I was able to do my part. I am proud that the Grove Parc tenants thought enough of me to reach out. I am proud of the future that they are creating for themselves. There are those in political circles who want to demonize community organizing. But not here. In this neighborhood the legacies of organizers like Mattie Butler, Rev. Arthur Brazier, Rev. Leon Finney, Saul Alinsky and many others are alive and well and should be studied in high schools and colleges across America now and for generations to come. The Grove Parc Tenants could teach us all about the true meaning of community. The Woodlawn Community grew out of the Columbian Exposition of 1893. It was also home to African Americans who came to Chicago, from the South, during the Great Migration. Famous author Lorraine Hansberry grew up in Woodlawn and wrote A Raisin In The Sun, a powerful play that spoke to the struggles and aspirations of an entire people. That struggle for fairness and equality continues but I think I see some progress here today. I think I see some jobs being created here today. I think I see the results of some organizing here today. I think I will soon see working men and women coming home to a safe, comfortable and rebuilt Woodlawn Community. Thanks to the Choice Neighborhoods Grant I believe that what I see and what the Grove Parc Tenants saw is coming very soon. # # # | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |