Pilsen, 606 ‘deconversion’ ordinances set for approval as potential demolition fee follow-up looms 

A pair of hard-fought ordinances aimed at preventing the loss of affordable apartments in gentrifying parts of the city is set to clear a crucial hurdle on Tuesday, as advocates say they are closing in on a follow-up proposal that would take their campaign even further. 

Under the companion ordinances (O2020-6206, O2020-6207) introduced by Mayor Lori Lightfoot, developers would need to apply for zoning changes in order to create single-family homes in parts of the Pilsen and the Near Northwest Side that are zoned for multi-family housing. Long advocated by the Logan Square Neighborhood Association and other housing organizers, the measures are designed to slow the conversion of small, naturally-affordable apartment buildings into million-dollar single-family homes.