Interview with Ald. Harry Osterman

Ald. Osterman Has High Hopes for New Civilian Oversight Ordinance

Ald. Harry Osterman, 48th Ward, like most of the alders interviewed by the League, named public safety the number one issue in his ward. He told League interviewer Priscilla Mims that the city needs a cohesive strategy to deal with gun violence, and he is not sure that one is in place yet.  

However, as Vice-Chair of the Public Safety Committee of the Council, he said he helped pass the recent Civilian Oversight Ordinance, and he is looking forward to the interim commission starting work very soon. He is very hopeful this ordinance will produce a positive change by bringing the police department and communities closer together. He believes that too many people are afraid to come forward and tell what they know about crimes to the police. He thinks this ordinance will help break down some of the barriers that now exist.

Watch the full interview above or read on for more highlights:

Ald. Osterman also chairs the Housing and Real Estate Committee. As chair of this committee, Ald. Osterman works closely with the Department of Housing, which Ald. Osterman said really came to life after 2018 under Commissioner Marisa Novara. The committee has passed legislation that significantly increases the number of affordable housing units that must be built with new construction.  

In addition to dealing with policy issues, the Housing and Real Estate Committee also oversees land sales and leases by the city, which owns hundreds of parcels. Ald. Osterman pointed to the committee’s recent efforts to create new housing on the South and West Sides, including the proposal for 1,000 new units in North Lawndale. The city also has acquired 12 acres in the Pilsen neighborhood to use for affordable housing.

The 48th Ward is on the Northeast Side with the lake on the east, Devon Avenue on the north, Clark Street on the west and Argyle Street on the south. Ald. Osterman complimented his constituents for supporting the local businesses over the past two-plus years of the pandemic, which allowed most of the 48th Ward businesses to survive.  

Looking ahead, Ald. Osterman said that a three-month planning process to make Broadway Street more pedestrian-friendly has just been completed, and he has pledged $1 million for infrastructure work. He also hopes to see construction begin shortly of a new indoor pool next to the Broadway Armory and new affordable housing (90 units) just south of that.