Stop Looting and Demolishing Harvey's Wealth

Harvey has a wealth of older, historic buildings built from the late 1800s onward. Past politicians for decades have demolished many of them for money or favors.  Where they promised new development, most past politicians left empty lots even decades later, more empty promises after looting Harvey's wealth. Sadly, Mayor Clark announced earlier in 2023 that he was pleased to use federal HUD grant money from Representative Robin Kelly to demolish a set of historic brick commercial buildings in the 15300 block of Broadway Ave, across from city hall.  This area was the historic Motor Row of the region in the early 1900s, where people came to buy cars indoors before car lots were common. (These dealers predate the famous Bauer Buick on Dixie Hwy and Ford on 154th and Ashland. )

The Harvey Historical Society has publicly opposed these and other proposed demolitions, even publicly bringing a local investor who wants to purchase and rehab the Broadway properties. Despite this, Mayor Clark and the city pursue what we believe to be illegal demolitions of buildings that could be saved by private money at no cost to taxpayers. What the city should do instead is to demolish the burnt-up wooden houses that can't be saved! 

There was also a "mysterious fire" at 15303 Broadway in June 2023, the building that was in the best shape, with tin ceilings and gorgeous wood floors. Interestingly, the fire was confined to this building only. Harvey has a notorious history of arson by politicians looking to demolish buildings for money as well as owners committing insurance fraud.