“In Defense of Mac Properties”

Letter to the Editor

By Bishop Larry D. Trotter

Senior Pastor, Sweet Holy Spirit Church

 

“In Defense of Mac Properties”

  

In the Biblical spirit of speaking out for truth and justice, I come to the reputational defense of Mac Properties, which was accused in a recently filed lawsuit of systemic discrimination against prospective renters holding Housing Choice Vouchers – formerly known as Section 8 vouchers.


This residential landlord is a mainstay of Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood, in which I have lived. Mac actively supports the local public schools, provides affordable housing and employment opportunities to vulnerable populations, and collaborates with the local faith community as a diverse company serving diverse residents in a diverse community.


According to the Hyde Park Herald and the lawsuit, there are 703 Housing Choice renters in Hyde Park, with 698 living in Mac buildings. More than 13 percent of residents in Mac’s most upscale properties are Housing Choice renters. Hardly evidence of systemic discrimination.


Having been raised by a single mother in public housing, I have been a vocal advocate for access to affordable housing – and Mac has a well-earned credibility in that regard. I urge Hyde Parkers to give Mac the presumption of innocence to which it is entitled, and see if the plaintiffs in this litigation can meet their burden. In the meantime, I worry about the possible unintended consequences of discouraging other landlords from participating in the Housing Choice program, which is entirely voluntary under federal law, and risking the invalidation of state and municipal “source of income in housing” discrimination laws, as has happened in other states.



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