Belmont Cragin, home to 78,797 people, is a diverse Chicago neighborhood committed to addressing issues of violence, gentrification, and displacement. The community comprises long-time residents, hard-working immigrants, and new arrivals, all working together to improve their area.
Despite its evolving nature, Belmont Cragin faces significant challenges. Recent data from the Chicago Police Department highlights 585 violent crime incidents from 2023 to 2024, with a sharp 62% increase in robberies since 2021.
The neighborhood remains resilient, supported by good schools, modest housing, busy commercial areas, and various local institutions like churches, nonprofits, and healthcare providers. These resources contribute to the community's efforts to overcome the difficulties it faces.
Belmont Cragin's Renaissance
Belmont Cragin has been quietly going through a community-driven renaissance, successfully bringing projects to life that address residents' needs, wants, and hopes for the future. The community is becoming more competitive in sustainability and progress. This renaissance comes from the Quality of Life Plan (QLP) of the community.
The QLP, managed by the Northwest Side Community Development Corporation (NWSCDC) with input from local stakeholders, emphasizes extensive community engagement. This includes bilingual public meetings, surveys, and workshops to gather feedback from residents and business owners, ensuring that the plan addresses the needs and aspirations of the community.
Belmont Cragin Quality of Life Plan (QLP)
Over 600 residents and 30 local agencies collaborated on the Belmont Cragin community plan, focusing on strategies, ideas, and programs for four key areas identified by residents as vital for the neighborhood's future.
The Quality of Life Plan outlines Belmont Cragin's goals to address these crucial issues through targeted initiatives and comprehensive strategies.
a. Empowering the Youth
Belmont Cragin is leveraging the energy and innovative ideas of its youth to foster a more sustainable and vibrant community. By empowering young people, the neighborhood aims to support their dreams and contribute to a better quality of life for future generations.
The plan focuses on enhancing educational opportunities, arts and culture programs, job training, and safety for the significant portion of the population under 19. Initiatives will prepare students for college and careers while keeping them engaged through various activities. Increased parental involvement in schools is also a key component of this strategy.
To achieve these goals, Belmont Cragin plans to address overcrowding in CPS elementary schools, expand youth programs, improve high school performance, and increase educational resources for parents. With nearly 26,000 residents under 19, including many children of recent immigrants who play crucial roles as translators and cultural navigators, these efforts are essential for the community's growth and development.
Programs like Teens Take On Climate (TTOC) and Social Entrepreneurs Reimagining Value & Engagement (SERVE 360) are already making an impact. TTOC focuses on STEAM education and climate awareness, while SERVE 360 offers entrepreneurial training, equipping young people with skills for the future.
Affordable Housing
Affordable housing is a key priority in Belmont Cragin, with efforts focused on maintaining and expanding resources for homeowners, improving accessibility to homeownership, and developing affordable rental options. The plan also addresses the rising home costs in Belmont Cragin, which have surpassed the city median.
Historically, Belmont Cragin's housing, consisting mainly of small single-family homes and two-to-four flats, has been popular among working-class families. Approximately 80% of the housing stock falls into these categories, compared to 53% citywide. However, increasing home prices have now exceeded the city median.
With half of the residents renting and half owning their homes, nearly 5,000 low-income households face severe housing cost burdens. As nearby neighborhoods experience rising property values, Belmont Cragin has become an attractive, yet increasingly pressured, option for both middle-income and low-income households. The growing demand amid limited housing supply is intensifying the strain on the community.
Expanded Access to Healthcare
Improving healthcare access, educating residents about health issues, and enhancing financial literacy around health expenses are key goals for Belmont Cragin. The plan focuses on addressing prevalent health concerns such as diabetes, obesity, smoking, and expanding mental health resources while reducing isolation among older adults.
The vision is to ensure that all residents have access to high-quality, affordable healthcare and that older adults can fully engage in community life. With a diverse population including youth, older adults, immigrants, and Spanish and Polish speakers, there is a need for better information and access to essential health resources.
Local health organizations are actively working to engage and educate residents on health concerns. Despite these efforts, there are still gaps, especially in early prevention techniques for common issues like diabetes and obesity, and in improving mental health services and reducing the isolation of older adults.
Belmont Cragin benefits from several strong healthcare institutions, including PrimeCare Community Health, Community First Medical Center, Riveredge Hospital, PCC Community Wellness Center, and Healthcare Alternative Systems (HAS). These providers offer both healthcare services and community health education. The community's value for these services was evident when a strong response helped keep Community First Medical Center operational after a planned closure.
Economic Development
The Quality of Life Plan (QLP) aims to boost local businesses, attract new enterprises, and enhance commercial corridors to foster job creation and economic stability. The focus is on reducing poverty by providing training opportunities for residents and supporting the local economy.
Belmont Cragin's economic landscape includes over 400 stores and restaurants, with a mix of small businesses owned by Latino and Eastern European entrepreneurs. Major retailers like Home Depot, Jewel, Target, and Walmart also contribute to the area's commercial activity, particularly at the Brickyard shopping mall.
Despite a decline in average family earnings by 27% since 2000, Belmont Cragin residents spend over $532 million annually on retail goods, food, and restaurants. The neighborhood has a “retail surplus” of $55 million, indicating that people from outside the community also shop locally, which presents an opportunity to support and attract new businesses.
To support small businesses, Belmont Cragin utilizes existing assistance programs, including the Belmont Central Chamber of Commerce, which connects businesses to resources but is underfunded. Additionally, programs such as the Special Service Area (SSA) and Small Business Improvement Funds (SBIFs) provide support to businesses on key corridors like Belmont, Fullerton, and Cicero Avenues.
Successful Projects in Belmont Cragin
$44 million investment for Belmont-Cragin Elementary
Belmont Cragin Elementary School has a new $44 million building at 6100 W. Fullerton Avenue, designed to accommodate up to 500 students from preschool through eighth grade. The 83,000-square-foot facility features modern classrooms, science labs, a computer lab, an art room, a library, and a gymnasium with a stage.
The new school also includes a black box theater, a music room, and a community center offering social and emotional learning workshops, dual-language instruction, and support services for immigrant families. These features aim to create a well-rounded educational environment that meets both academic and community needs.
Sustainable elements such as a LEED Silver certification, a green roof, and ADA-compliant facilities have been integrated into the design. The adjacent 1929 Riis Park Fieldhouse has been renovated, and the gymnasium and playgrounds will be available for public use after school hours, enhancing community engagement.
The project, funded by CPS capital funds and Tax Increment Financing (TIF), was developed by the Public Building Commission of Chicago in partnership with Chicago Public Schools and the Chicago Park District. This new facility addresses previous issues of overcrowding and outdated infrastructure, marking a significant advancement for Belmont-Cragin Elementary School.
$25.6 million invested in senior housing
Belmont Cragin has invested $25.6 million in senior housing to improve living conditions and amenities for the community’s elderly residents. This includes new residential units and enhanced features with regular maintenance.
The Senior Suites of Belmont Cragin, located at 6045 W. Grand Avenue, is a key facility offering affordable independent living for seniors aged 62 and older. Established in 1995, it provides amenities such as spacious community rooms, planned social activities, outdoor patios, pet-friendly apartments, and accessible features like full kitchens and secured entry systems.
The facility emphasizes community involvement with various social and recreational programs, including fitness equipment, religious services, and outdoor activities. Additionally, the Northwest Side Housing Center (NWSHC) supports seniors with financial literacy programs, housing counseling, and community organizing efforts to ensure a safe and inclusive environment.
Ongoing efforts are focused on expanding and updating senior housing services to meet the needs of the growing senior population in Belmont Cragin.
Belmont Cragin Health Center
Cook County Health (CCH) and the Cook County Department of Public Health have launched the Building Healthy Communities (BHC) initiative to aid COVID-19 recovery and strengthen resiliency in the hardest-hit areas. The Belmont Cragin Health Center at 5501 W. Fullerton Avenue is a key part of this effort, designed to enhance and expand healthcare services for the local community.
The new health center spans 25,000 square feet and features a modern steel and glass structure. It includes a parking lot, sidewalks, and landscaping to improve accessibility. Services offered at the facility include pediatric and adult primary care, women's health, dental care, cardiology, endocrinology, immunizations, diabetes and chronic disease management, and behavioral health. It also houses the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) food assistance program and 30 exam rooms.
The Belmont Cragin Health Center follows a "one-stop-shop" model, consolidating multiple healthcare services into a single location to improve accessibility and convenience. It reflects Cook County Health's commitment to providing high-quality, culturally sensitive care, aiming to reduce barriers and enhance patient experience.
Operational features include care coordination with specialists, same-day sick visits for pediatric patients, and a patient portal for managing appointments and communications. The center is part of a broader strategy to modernize healthcare facilities, prevent hospitalizations, and improve community health outcomes.
Amped Kitchens will create over 200 jobs in the community.
Amped Kitchens has introduced Chicago's first high-end, production-focused culinary facility at 5801 W. Dickens Avenue. This $25 million project transformed the long-vacant Zenith factory into a 117,000-square-foot commercial kitchen complex featuring 64 private kitchens, ranging from 150 to nearly 2,000 square feet. This facility is part of Amped’s expansion strategy and is also set to create over 200 jobs for Belmont Cragin residents.
The Belmont Cragin location, financed in part by a $4 million loan from JPMorgan Chase, is designed to support food entrepreneurs and small businesses by offering state-of-the-art kitchen spaces. It aims to reduce the substantial upfront costs typically associated with setting up commercial kitchens, thereby assisting both new and established food businesses in scaling their operations.
In addition to its role in supporting food businesses, the Amped Kitchens facility is expected to boost the local economy by attracting more food-related businesses to the area and generating significant economic benefits through job creation and business growth.
Community approach to trauma
Belmont Cragin is tackling trauma through a comprehensive, community-driven approach. The initiative brings together various local organizations, stakeholders, and community members to address trauma effectively and build resilience across the population.
The Northwest Side Housing Center (NWSHC) has launched the Resilient Belmont Cragin Community Collaborative, which includes over 40 institutions such as the Chicago Police Department, schools, and nonprofits. This collaborative aims to foster discussions on resilience, develop strategies to support the community in dealing with trauma, and build a shared understanding of resilience.
Local organizations are actively supporting trauma recovery through various programs. The Northwest Center provides housing counseling, financial literacy, and health equity workshops. Onward Neighborhood House focuses on early childhood education, family support, and immigrant services. The Northwest Side Community Development Corporation (CDC) works on placemaking projects like La Placita to enhance community cohesion and support cultural and economic development.
Belmont Cragin is also prioritizing trauma-informed care and mental health support. Programs include mental health workshops, social-emotional learning, and support groups tailored to address the community's specific needs. Youth engagement is a key focus, with initiatives like the Youth Leadership Council involving young people in community planning and advocacy, while educational institutions are adopting trauma-informed practices to create supportive learning environments.
Public safety, beautification upgrades
Belmont Cragin has seen significant upgrades in public safety and beautification, aimed at enhancing the quality of life for residents. These efforts include increased police presence, safety cameras, and community engagement initiatives.
To improve public safety, the Belmont Cragin Quality of Life Plan (QLP) has secured additional police officers for key areas like Diversey Avenue to boost security and reduce crime rates. Additionally, new safety cameras have been installed along Fullerton Avenue, a high-crash corridor, to monitor and address traffic-related incidents, enhancing overall safety in the neighborhood.
The Belmont Cragin Youth Leadership Council has played a crucial role in advocating for better public transportation and safety measures. Their efforts have led to commitments from the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) to improve bus service reliability and cleanliness, reflecting the council’s active engagement in community safety.
Beautification projects in Belmont Cragin include the construction of a new pedestrian refuge island near the Belmont Cragin Suites senior residences, improving safety for pedestrians. The neighborhood has also introduced themed street banners and made sidewalk improvements to boost community identity and walkability.
In addition, the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) has installed 17 miles of bike lanes and new Divvy bike-sharing stations in Belmont Cragin. These upgrades enhance accessibility and safety for cyclists, although discussions continue on further improving bike lane safety and functionality.
Renovations to Steinmetz College Prep
Belmont Cragin also aims to renovate Steinmetz College Prep. The school’s Field of Dreams will be renovated with $50,000 from the Charities Diamond Project of Chicago Clubs.
This initiative aims to enhance the school's athletic facilities, creating a state-of-the-art sports complex that will benefit both the school and the community. The renovations include new turf fields, improved track facilities, and upgraded amenities for various sports.
Now let’s proceed to the other organizations that help Belmont Cragin in its rise.
Organizations Helping Belmont Cragin
Belmont Cragin’s success is led by many local organizations and nonprofits.
Commit to a Neighborhood Initiative by ITW and United Way
The "Commit to a Neighborhood" initiative, launched by Illinois Tool Works (ITW) in partnership with United Way, is significantly benefiting Belmont Cragin and Austin communities in Chicago. Announced in 2022, this five-year, $2.5 million initiative focuses on economic development, job creation, and community support.
As part of the initiative, ITW is investing over $38 million to acquire and renovate buildings, including retrofitting two vacant manufacturing facilities to foster production operations and growth. The program emphasizes creating quality, family-sustaining jobs with benefits and collaborates with local organizations to provide job training and placement for residents.
ITW’s commitment to community collaboration includes partnerships with groups such as Austin Coming Together, West Side Health Authority, and the Jane Addams Resource Corporation, which enhance efforts in workforce development and economic growth. Additionally, ITW promotes skills-based volunteerism, encouraging employees to contribute their expertise to community projects.
Educationally, ITW supports the ITW David Speer Academy in Belmont Cragin, which offers a STEM-focused curriculum to over 1,000 high school students. ITW employees are actively involved in mentoring and supporting students, reinforcing the initiative's commitment to education and community engagement.
Living Lab by Better Bike Share Partnership
The Better Bike Share Partnership (BBSP) has chosen Belmont Cragin as one of its "Living Lab" grantees, providing $200,000 over two and a half years to enhance bike share accessibility and equity. This initiative, which includes contributions from the City of Philadelphia, the National Association of City and Transportation Officials (NACTO), and the PeopleForBikes Foundation, aims to address barriers to bike share access and promote cycling in historically marginalized communities.
The Northwest Side Housing Center, in collaboration with local youth, is leading a community education campaign focusing on using bikes to access various public transit options. This effort includes organizing community rides, hosting workshops, and advocating for bike infrastructure improvements. The Belmont Cragin Youth Leadership Council is actively involved, gaining skills in bike maintenance and promoting cycling within the neighborhood.
Significant infrastructure developments have occurred as part of the initiative, including the installation of 17 miles of bike lanes and 25 to 30 new Divvy bike share stations. This expansion has led to a notable increase in bike ridership, with residents making over 16,000 trips in a recent year. The new bike lanes and stations have improved transportation options and accessibility in Belmont Cragin.
Northwest Side Housing Center (NWSHC)
The Northwest Side Housing Center, a HUD-certified nonprofit, has served Belmont Cragin since 2003, initially focusing on housing counseling before expanding to financial education, community development, and comprehensive community planning.
One of their key initiatives is the Youth Leadership Council, which empowers middle and high school students to participate in community planning, particularly in transportation infrastructure improvements. This council's "Bikes for Belmont Cragin" initiative has successfully introduced bike lanes and low-cost bike rentals to the neighborhood, promoting a bike-friendly environment.
Additionally, the Youth Anchors Program engages young people in identifying community resource gaps and developing solutions through community needs assessment surveys, further supporting the center's mission to enhance the quality of life in Belmont Cragin.
Onward Neighborhood House
Onward Neighborhood House offers a range of educational and support services to Belmont Cragin residents. Their programs cater to all ages, focusing on early childhood education, adult education, and community support.
For children aged 2-12, they provide early childhood education and school-age programs, including childcare, tutoring, and various educational activities. Adults can benefit from classes in English, computer skills, and citizenship to improve their skills and opportunities.
Additionally, Onward Neighborhood House operates a food pantry at 5433 W. Diversey Ave, supporting families in need every Thursday. These comprehensive services aim to enhance the quality of life for Belmont Cragin residents.
Northwest Center
The Northwest Center enhances Belmont Cragin's economic well-being and quality of life through various programs. They provide housing counseling services, including foreclosure prevention, first-time homebuyer counseling, and rental counseling to support stable housing.
Their financial literacy and job placement programs aim to improve residents' financial stability and job readiness, helping them achieve economic independence. Additionally, community organizing and youth programs empower residents to actively engage in community improvement efforts, fostering a stronger, more cohesive neighborhood.
Conclusion
The renaissance of Belmont Cragin is still underway. Community leaders, residents, and organizations work together to beautify the neighborhood and to also provide a better quality of life, including addressing work opportunities with good benefits and other needs of the community. Belmont Cragin will soon be a prosperous community for all.
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