Belmont Cragin
| Territory Data | |
| Open Territory
| |
| Territory Claimed by: | None |
| Sphere: | Vampire |
| Location Value: | 15 |
| Specialty: | Neighbors (Empathy) |
| Cost Reductions: | Sympathetic, Virtuous, Patient |
| Unique Bonus: | Once a month, gain the benefits of therapy as per a therapist with the Empath merit. |
| Travel Code: | NW |
Description
Belmont Cragin's overall population grew by more than 6 percent in the 1980s and 37 percent in the 1990s. The Hispanic population grew from 3,072 in 1980 to 16,846 in 1990. By the 2000 census the area was 65 percent Hispanic, joining the Polish immigrants and businesses who had come to the area earlier. A number of young middle-class professionals joined blue-collar laborers in the area. Residents formed an active coalition called the Northwest Neighborhood Federation to address increases in crime, gangs, and school overpopulation.
By 1995, Hall Printing and other plants had closed their doors. The area experienced a drop in manufacturing employment and a decline in retail activity during the 1980s. Concerns over unemployment and an increasing poverty level have led residents to organize a home reinvestment campaign and to study ways of reviving the commercial climate in the area.