bq. “A lot of times these buildings are replaced with multi-unit buildings that are limited in space,” said Ward Miller, president of Logan Square Preservation. “Couples move in, find themselves running short on space and within a short period of time, leave. We’re looking for long-term stakeholders.” (quoted by Johnathon E. Briggs in Chicago Tribune

I know Ward and have long supported his efforts to preserve key buildings and areas within Logan Square, but this notion — that those who live in single-family buildings (vs. condo owners) or owners (vs. renters), stay in the neighborhood longer, are more invested in the community, and thus are more deserving — is a myth, plain and simple. Oddly, the wealthy north-side neighborhoods with higher rates of homeownership also have much higher rates of transience; in Bucktown, the millionaires in the single-family houses are not necessarily in for the long run and most definitely do not have the time to spare to get involved with the community. Heck, they don’t even add “eyes on the street,” as they just drive in and out, hiring others to deliver their pizzas and walk their dogs. I’d hazard that a high-rise housing low-income seniors would bring in many more involved community residents than an entire block of million-dollar McMansions.