Schilling and Tackling the Challenges of Vacant Properties

Joseph Schilling, Terry Schwarz, along with Alan Mallach, FAICP, will be leading a workshop entitled “Tackling the Challenges of Vacant Properties” as part of the APA’s Planners Training Service Workshop Series,  November 8-9 in Chicago. Description of the training: Vacant properties are everybody’s problem. They blight neighborhoods, reduce property values, foster crime and disease, and
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Chicago Intensive: Tackling Vacant Properties

Looking for a professional development? Want to visit Chicago? Here’s a way to do both. Join  national experts Alan Mallach, Joe Schilling, and Terry Schwarz for an intensive workshop, Tackling the Challenges of Vacant Properties, on November 8 and 9. The workshop – part of APA’s Planner’s Training Service – will dive into a number of issues,
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Chicago Exurbs See a Bust After a Long Boom

Growth and development in Chicago’s suburbs and exurbs has stalled since the housing downturn. According to Census Bureau, Chicago’s surrounding areas were some of the fastest growing in the country until 2009/2010, and after which they’ve claimed the title of holding Illinois’ top foreclosure rates. Many of Chicago’s far-flung housing developments were the hardest hit by the
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Chicago Will Hold Banks Accountable

Recently, the City Council of Chicago approved an ordinance that will hold lending institutions responsible for the maintenance of foreclosed properties. Prior to this move, community groups have been increasingly vocal, responding to rising crime rates in the past few months. According to residents, abandoned buildings become “crime havens” for squatters, gangs, and drug dealers,
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