Tina Paden told the Administration Public Works Committee on Dec. 8 that Family Focus’s handling of its landmark property and renovation funding deserves closer city scrutiny. “Family Focus has 11 locations throughout Illinois, including Evanston,” Paden said, and she listed recent public funds the organization has received, including ARPA and federal and state awards.

Paden said the original Foster School (2010 Dewey), opened in 1905 and later landmarked, served many Black residents of the Fifth Ward and raised a risk that the neighborhood’s historic assets could be undermined if redevelopment follows a path similar to the Henry Butler Building on Emerson Street. She described reported renovation estimates of about $12 million and said Family Focus had received more than $5 million from public sources for remodeling, referencing recent articles and grant announcements.

Paden asked the city to refer matters to the preservation committee, reparations committee and equity and empowerment staff for coordinated review and greater transparency. “The city should not be paying its bills,” she said, urging the committees to ensure “fair equity and transparency for this community.”

Chair responded that the subject was not on the APW agenda that evening but noted it appears on the full council agenda for further consideration, indicating the issue will be taken up at a later public meeting.