CHICAGO (WLS) — The Chicago City Council is getting together Thursday morning for a wide-ranging meeting.
The City Council Finance Committee gave unanimous approval to a $90 million settlement for 176 civil rights violation cases linked to former disgraced Chicago Police Sergeant Ronald Watts. The full council is set to review this on Thursday.
ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch
Watts was convicted and sentenced for shaking down residents in the Ida B. Wells Public Housing Complex.
An attorney, representing over 100 victims in the settlement, stated, “Nothing can undo the harm that Watts caused, but at least everyone will be able to put this behind them.”
A Council Committee also is also taking steps to ensure residents are not priced out of neighborhoods near the Obama Presidential Center.
An amendment to the South Shore Housing Opportunity Ordinance aims to allocate land and funds for affordable housing, ensuring displaced residents have the right to return.
Some spoke out against the proposed amendment that goes before the council Thursday.
“Passing the ordinance without amendment or without allowing the community members to see it, discuss it, and amend it risks undermining the ongoing catalytic investments,” said South Shore resident Lashawn Brown.
“Ultimately we believe that this work and this ordinance is about opportunity,” Dixon Romero of Southside Together & CBA Coalition.
During the meeting, Council members are also anticipated to approve a contract for the Chicago firefighters union, following a four-year standoff with Chicago Firefighters Union Local 2.
The full council is set to consider rezoning for The 78 development, including a new stadium for the Chicago Fire soccer team.
The council is also expected to vote on so called “granny flats.” Those are additional units like coach houses or basement apartments.
Some council members want to allow them in all Chicago neighborhoods. But others say their wards are over populated.
A compromise reached allows council members to opt into the program.
Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.
