By: Ashmar Mandou

Earlier this month the City unveiled the Fisk and Crawford Reuse Task Force in an effort to gauge public interest in the Little Village and Pilsen communities over what should be done at the Fisk and Crawford Power Plants site.

“Residents, neighborhood organizations and advocacy groups have an opportunity to help affect what happens in our community,” said Alderman Daniel Solis in a statement. Earlier this month, Solis also introduced an interactive way to increase public input by partnering with Neighborland. Neighborland, which started in New Orleans, aims to alter the relationship between people and their cities through collaboration and participation. “Community input will help shape my positions and policy on issues that impact our neighborhoods.”

As for the Fisk and Crawford Reuse Task Force, they will host a public hearing Thursday, June 28 at the Little Village High School, 3120 S. Kostner Ave., from 6pm to 9pm. Residents who intend to speak publicly should arrive by 6:30pm to register. “It is essential to get input from the public as we undertake these important economic development initiatives for the Pilsen and Little Village neighborhoods,” stated Mayor Rahm Emanuel in a press release.

The Fisk and Crawford Reuse Task Force was formed by Mayor Emanuel back in April to spark dialogue among community members and help formulate ideas for job creation and economic growth for the site on which Fisk and Crawford currently operate. If you are unable to make it to the public hearing, residents can visit the Task Force’s website, at www.CityofChicago.org/FiskCrawfordReuse. You can also send your feedback and ideas to FiskCrawfordResuse@gmail.com.