By signing this petition, the residents and business owners of the 46th Ward are expressing deep concern about the project to convert the apartments above 2 Bears Tavern and Downstate Donuts at 1140 W Wilson into a transitional shelter -- an unprecedented experiment in combining a shelter with retail businesses in a single mixed-use building -- and we are insisting that Ald. Angela Clay of the 46th Ward at least slow down the process proceeding to allow accurately sharing details about the project and its potential impacts on our community.

We support new transitional shelters for individuals experiencing homelessness around Chicago, but this project is different:

It shares a mixed-use building with retail businesses: Let's be clear; this is an experiment. There are no examples of a non-congregate shelter successfully sharing a building with retail businesses in Chicago, or across the United States. And the businesses at this location have already expressed dire concerns regarding challenges in obtaining insurance coverage, loss of customers, threats to employees' safety, managing modifications to the buildings, uncertainty about the effectiveness of the shelter operator as a commercial landlord, and myriad other concerns. Long-time residents know how the Wilson corridor has bounced back in recent years, with 2 Bears Tavern, Downstate Donuts, and Uptown Church contributing to this growth. We risk losing these current and future businesses at that location.

Over-Concentration of Shelter Operations: There are currently 3 shelters within a 1-block radius of the proposed project, and with this, the neighborhood bears regular incidents near those shelters, threatening public safety and private property. The community is deeply concerned that adding yet another shelter would exacerbate those problems to a point that pushes away customers, new businesses, and residents. This would destroy the community value. NYC ran a study in 2019 finding that proximity to multiple shelters has a considerably bigger estimated impact on property values than closer proximity to a single shelter. We urge consideration of alternative solutions, such as expanding existing operations at the site of the former Epworth Church.

Improper Use of TIF Funds: The proposal uses public TIF funds -- which are earmarked to revitalize blighted areas to encourage economic development -- to "rehabilitate" a property that simply does not need rehabilitation. This clearly doesn't fit with the goals of the Wilson Yard TIF district, and the project has been less than forthcoming about the actual amount of TIF funding required.

Unique safety concerns for this shelter: This non-congregate shelter, though providing private spaces for occupants, limits staff's ability to monitor activities behind closed doors. The lack of curfews, background checks, and a policy permitting guests heightens safety concerns. And the shelter sharing the building with a late-night bar further complicates matters, posing significant risks for individuals with substance abuse issues. We urgently call for the implementation of stricter safety protocols.

Funding Stability and Accountability: The reliance on short-term DFSS contracts raises concerns about the shelter's long-term stability and accountability. We demand transparency and assurances regarding contingency plans for funding and property upkeep.

Misleading Communication and Rushed Processing: The manner in which project details have been communicated, including the misleading community survey results and unwelcoming community meeting, has eroded trust and failed to provide a fair and open forum for discussion.

Alderwoman Clay, we deeply care about the future of Uptown. While it has taken time to understand the complexities of this proposal, the community is now closely watching how you manage it. We urge you to heed our concerns and ensure that the best interests of our community are served.