Chicago: Mayor Brandon Johnson Breaks Ground on Blocks Together Community Plaza in West Humboldt Park

CHICAGO ~ Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, along with Blocks Together, Alderman Walter Burnett III (27th), and members of the West Side community, gathered today to break ground on the Blocks Together Community Plaza. This permanent community space aims to promote community wellness and healing through various initiatives such as violence prevention efforts, youth and arts programming, cultural celebrations, food justice initiatives, and resident-led organizing and engagement.

The project was made possible through the discounted sale of City-owned land through ChiBlockBuilder. This allowed Blocks Together to acquire the land at just 10% of its market value. Mayor Johnson expressed his pride in honoring Blocks Together's vision for connection and healing while returning the land to the people of the West Side.

"This groundbreaking is a demonstration of what community power looks like," said Mayor Johnson. "West Humboldt Park is rising, from affordable housing to streetscape improvements to this plaza. Change is happening here because community members have come together and organized to make it real."

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The vacant parcels at 3713-17 W. Chicago Ave sit adjacent to Block Together's existing office spaces. In recent years, the organization has utilized the space for organizing food distributions, youth celebrations, violence prevention programming, and other healing-centered efforts. With the completion of this project, Blocks Together will be able to expand their reach and increase the impact of their mutual aid services.

Carolina Gaete, Executive Director of Blocks Together, emphasized that this groundbreaking represents the power of community organizing and resident investment in their own neighborhood. She described the Community Plaza as a symbol of hope, healing, and long-term community ownership on Chicago's West Side.

The Community Plaza will also complement nearby developments along the Chicago Avenue corridor in West Humboldt Park while providing wraparound services to support residents and nearby communities.

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Antonio Ward, Organizing Director at Blocks Together, highlighted that while many real estate interests are investing for profit on Chicago Avenue, this plaza will serve as an example of community-controlled development that prioritizes the collective well-being of neighbors.

The organization applied for the City's ChiBlockBuilder Open Space Program, which allows eligible non-profits and individuals to purchase City-owned vacant land at a discounted rate. The sale of the land, which was authorized by City Council in January, was priced at $7.1k.

The project also received funding support through Chicago Public School's Sustainable Community Schools program. A celebration featuring music, refreshments, fellowship, and opportunities for community members to learn more about the vision for the plaza followed the groundbreaking ceremony. This event served as a reminder of the power of community collaboration and investment in creating positive change in neighborhoods.

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