“‘My hope is that alderpeople see the need to act,’ said Romeo, but he added that ‘more importantly, it’s about the mayor.’

The Coalition for a CBA has also held roundtables with residents, examined data such as eviction filing numbers, consulted lawyers and policy experts and reviewed policies in other cities.

‘These aren’t pie in the sky demands; we’re asking for targeted specific programs that help people’ and stop them from being displaced, said Romeo.

The demands for South Shore are slightly different from those for Woodlawn, said Romeo. They have been tailored to meet specific characteristics, such as its geographically larger size, more renters and fewer vacant lots, according to the organization’s research.

Protections are needed for renters and mom and pop landlords who ‘live in those buildings too’ and experience the same kind of difficulties, said Romeo.”