A Feb. 13 Tribune editorial recommended that the “first dibs” clause contained in the federal Stuart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act be eliminated. The clause gives nonprofit groups workingon behalf of the homeless the right of first refusal for federal surplus property. It provides this option for various federal properties, including abandoned military bases.
Municipalities, private developers and other entities may apply for the property and can acquire such property if they can justify why they should get the property and not homeless groups. In other words, they are not completely out of the running. In addition, the Base Closure Act and Homeless Assistance Act of 1994 established a new collaborative process among government, community, the local redevelopment authority and local homeless representatives in the redevelopment planning.
In 1994, the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless (CCH) applied to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for federal surplus property located in the headlands section of Navy Pier and the application was approved. The City of Chicago wanted to develop the land as a park and jogging trail. CCH and the city began negotiations and we agreedto an exchange for vacant city land near 14th Street and Blue Island, where a newly created organization, “Growing Home,” will develop an urban market organic garden and job-training program for homeless and low-income people. The city also agreed to provide CCH with rent-free farmers’ market stalls, a rent-free stall on Navy Pier, a commitment to rehabilitate the alternative site, and a $50,000 planning grant.
The “first dibs” clause gives non-profits an edge, but this advantage is miniscule when compared to the overwhelming advantage the public and private sectors have in their constant pursuit to acquire property for upscale development. Such development often leads to the displacement of poor people and minorities, many of whom become homeless.
The numbers of people becoming homeless are increasing and resources are very limited. A recent study funded by the City of Chicago, the Chicago Housing Authority, and several foundations found that as many as 165,000 people become homeless during the course of a year in metropolitan Chicago.
CCH firmly believes that the right of first refusal clause in the McKinney Act should not be eliminated.
The Tribune editorial board once shared this view in an editorial dated Nov. 20, 1994 when it took the position that “The proposed Navy Pier agreement between the Daley administration and the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless could serve as a model for resolving similar disputes elsewhere.” We agree.
