'Issue fatigue' makes environment a hard sell in Pilsen
Posted 1/24/2008 by Patrick RollensIt's always a treat for us when the Chicago Journal rolls out its weekly articles. The community newspaper covers a variety of neighborhoods on the West Side, and we're pleased to see this item from Paul Dailing (via the Medill News Service).
Pilsen and Little Village are home to the city's two aging coal-fired power plants, but the environmental impact from these operations ranks low on the minds of many longtime residents.
In low-income, minority Chicago neighborhoods such as Pilsen, Englewood and Little Village, neighborhood-based environmental groups are finding it hard to bring their issues to the fore. Concerns about gangs, violence, poverty, joblessness, a lack of services and gentrification are competing for weary residents' attention.
"I would almost describe it as 'issue fatigue' in these communities-that there are so many issues in these areas and so much to work on," said [Dorian Breuer, of the Pilsen Environmental Rights and Reform Organization].
So here's the question: will the continued gentrification of these neighborhoods (especially Pilsen) help to fill the blocks with socially-conscious, environmentally-aware residents?
Comments
1/24/08
Jeff said:
Not totally; some of the growth and prosperity has to either come from within, but if this is not happening, then outside forces are needed.
Surprisingly unreported are these issues.
Looking at the Photos, where is the Alderman,
city services, etc. on this? Who is leading
effort to work with these businesses leaving this mess? It seems the city has plenty of "revenue inspectors" that can write fines for a restaurant having it's outdoor Cafe fence 6" to wide, yet the city can't address these issues - how sad.
Curious, as to what the impact of illegal immigration activities for these local residents and ability to address? They may not want to admit it.
I feel for their plight, but it does not help the neighborhood cause when they seem to forget the fatigue when the feds come in and bust up an murderous identity theft ring, marching agains such raids to catch criminals. You can't have both worlds…
Abner said:
First, people in Pilsen and Little Village are not especially well informed about the effects of the Crawford, Fisk, and Kramer plants on respiratory health in the area. Second, the plants face the river on one side and a generally barren street on the other–they definitely affect the neighborhood, but they seem distant to most people. Third, my guess is that people in the neighborhood have come to expect that they are going to be stuck with what is probably the worst environmental situation in the city (after the far Southeast Side, I suppose).
If Danny Solis cared, maybe he would drum up the issue of the Fisk and Kramer plants somewhat–but considering the mess he has allowed to be made of East Pilsen generally, I wouldn't hold my breath.
I don't know about gentrifiers making a bigger stink about things because they are more environmentally aware, but I certainly wouldn't be surprised if they were louder because they have a higher expectation of their neighborhood and a loftier opinion of their own political power. Of course, as the neighborhood gentrifies and the problems with gangs and poverty become more distant, the "issue fatigue" may lessen as well.