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AUSTINWEEKLY news HUD Secretary Ben Carson visits Austin,
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Vol. 33 No. 18
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May 1, 2019
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austinweeklynews.com
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Also serving Garfield Park
@AustinWeeklyChi
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@AustinWeeklyNews
A winning i i speech, p h page 9
County eases path to housing for people with arrest records Brandon Johnson’s Just Housing Amendment passes County Board By MICHAEL ROMAIN Editor
The Cook County Board of Commissioners recently approved a measure that makes it easier for people with arrest records to secure housing in the county. The board passed the “Just Housing” amendment as a new clause in the Cook County Human Rights Ordinance during a meeting on April 25. The board’s two Republican commissioners — Pete Silvestri (9th) and Sean Morrison (17th) — were the only votes against the measure. “This amendment will provide greater family stability for more than 3,300 people who return to communities in my district each year from prison,” said Commissioner Brandon Johnson (1st), the amendment’s chief sponsor whose district includes most of Austin, where he lives. The measure is Johnson’s first major legislative achievement since he took office in December. See JUST HOUSING on page 4
Library of Congress
A new WTTW documentary, “Boss: The Black Experience in Business,” tells the story of the history of black wealth-building in America — one often marked by white violence. More on page 11.
Vote on Galewood Sears Project delays
Alderman cites uncertainty as reason for postponing public vote on redevelopment project By IGOR STUDENKOV Contributing Reporter
The April 24 meeting at Rutherford Sayre Fieldhouse, 6871 W. Belden Ave., was sup-
posed to be public’s last opportunity to provide input on the proposed redevelopment of the closed Sears at the northeast corner of North and Harlem Avenues. Ald. Chris Taliaferro (29th) had an-
nounced on his social media accounts and in his official ward newsletter that residents of his ward would have a chance to
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See SEARS on page 6
Larry Williams,Agent 5932 W. Lake Street Chicago, 60644 (773) 379-9010 larry.williams.b0bk@statefarm.com