Why are these units vacant? shouted Cynthia Scott, as she gestured behind her to the boarded-up apartments at the low-rise Lathrop Homes public housing development. Keeping these units empty, in the midst of an economic and housing crisis, is a terrible waste. CHA, open them up for people who need housing! Scott, a member of the Lathrop Leadership Team, spoke to 200 residents and supporters at a rally October 23. Under the Teams proposal, CHA could house families, including military veterans with children who need affordable housing. That would generate rental income, keep Lathrops buildings in good condition and prevent crime by leasing the units. Today, 600 of Lathrops 900 units are empty. In 1999, when CHA began its Plan for Transformation of public housing, it listed Lathrop as TBD to be determined. Nine years later, there is still no plan. Meanwhile, the CHA has refused to lease any new units. But many units are still in good shape. Leasing 300 of the empty units now would be a positive first step toward the long-term revitalization of Lathrop Homes, community leaders said. The Lathrop Leadership Team, a coalition of residents and agency leaders organized by LSNA to preserve the affordable Lathrop apartments, has championed a vision for the development as a mix of public housing, affordable rental and affordable home ownership without market rate. Lathrop is surrounded by market rate homes. Theres no need for more condos here, said Juanita Stevenson, president of the …