FREE Vol. 38 No. 43
October 23, 2024 ■ Also serving Garfield Park ■ austinweeklynews.com
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Arlene Jones: Is Brandon Johnson our worst mayor ever? page 7
How ‘The People’s Plan’ aims to cut crime on the West Side
Deputy Mayor Garien Gatewood said he wants to create a holistic approach to public safety By SAM TUCKER Contributing Reporter
The People’s Plan for Community Safety is the Johnson administration’s driving strategy to make Chicago safer. So, what is the strategy and how does it plan to make an impact on Chicago’s crime and violence? The People’s Plan for Community Safety is a hyperlocal, two-pronged strategy launched last year that focuses on investing resources in both people and places, according to the plan. It uses a triage approach to focus on the communities that need investment and resources the most, and will focus on specific blocks in Austin, Englewood, West Garfield Park and South Lawndale/Little Village. “We know that building blocks for safety, particularly in Austin, are different than the building blocks that we’re going to need in Englewood,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson during a public See PEOPLE’S PLAN on page 8
BROWN FARMER MEDIA GROUP
Whittney Smith, deputy director for LCDC, and Richard Townsell, LCDC’s executive director.
Lawndale Christian Development Corporation celebrates milestones, new projects The organization has ambitious plans for affordable housing and more By JESSICA MORDACQ Staff Reporter
In its nearly 40 years, the Lawndale Christian Development Corporation
has funneled more than $120 million into affordable housing and commercial projects in North Lawndale, among other things. While the organization boasts a long list of accomplishments, its leaders
have an ambitious agenda for the future. “We’re on our road to being a very thriving community that is community development without displacement,” See LCDC on page 10
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