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Quinn and Lawson reach agreement on revised ADU Ordinance with strong labor support
Alds. Marty Quinn (13) and Bennett Lawson (44) today announced an agreement on a revised Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) ordinance that is set to bring much-needed affordable housing options to Chicago residents while ensuring fair labor practices.
The revised ordinance has the strong backing of numerous labor organizations.
The proposed ordinance, which has been a topic of extensive discussion, would expand the program city-wide into multi-unit residential and commercial areas, while extending the pilot program for single family areas with limitations and local review.
It will also require that coach house construction include workers from an approved labor apprenticeship program.
“I feel this revised ordinance better represents Chicago’s values by lifting up our labor unions and workers,” Quinn said.
“I can stand by an ordinance that encourages local hiring and fair wage standards, a point that resonates strongly with Chicago’s labor community. I appreciate Ald. Lawson’s collaboration and partnership to move this ordinance forward.”
“This agreement represents a significant step forward for housing in neighborhoods throughout the city,” Lawson said.
“We listened to residents, developers, and our labor partners to craft an ordinance that not only expands housing choices but also creates good-paying jobs right here in our communities. I thank Ald. Quinn for his partnership in finding a strong and effective path forward.”
Labor leaders across Chicago voiced their support for the compromise.
“We applaud Aldermen Quinn and Lawson for their leadership in developing an ADU ordinance that prioritizes local contractors and provides jobs and opportunities in our apprenticeship programs,” Jim Connolly, LIUNA Chicago Laborers’ District Council, said.
“We applaud their collaboration on a challenging but important issue.”
“It’s not every day you see two sides find common ground and put together an initiative that works for everyone,” Bob Reiter, President of the Chicago Federation of Labor, said.
“We’re thrilled labor will play a critical role in this ADU legislation and congratulate Aldermen Quinn and Lawson on their efforts.”
The revised ordinance will be heard by the entire City Council on Thursday, Sept. 25.
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Hanania also writes about Middle East issues for the Arab News, and The Arab Daily News criticizing government policies in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Hanania was named "Best Ethnic American Columnist" by the New America Media in November 2007, and is the 2009 recipient of the SPJ National Sigma Delta Chi Award for column writing.
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