Over the past few months we have started a general ramp-up of following for derelict, non-code complaint business/commercial and residential properties that may also be in violation of zoning law.
To that end, we have turned in to both 311 and to the Building Department directly, six addresses, two of which are:
Chicago Manufacturing Co. – 4500 West 47th Street
Chicago Packaging Co. building – 4340 west 47th Street
(Images courtesy of Google Street View and LoopNet)
Both properties are located at the very visible intersection of 47th & Kostner, and the condition of these properties, which is disgraceful at best, makes our community look awful and is in sharp contrast to other business properties along 47th Street that go the extra mile in maintaining their buildings and landscaping. Recently, the 14th Ward helped us with 4340 West 47th Street by requiring the owner to hire a towing company to keep cars with “For Sale” signs off the property. While this is most appreciated, it’s only part of rectifying the greater problems that exist at that location.
We also have sent certified letters to the owners of S&L Carthage at 5274 S. Archer (NE corner Archer & Knox) and the property owner of the former Marzano’s Miami Bowl (5023 S. Archer Avenue). In both cases we have requested voluntary cooperation in correcting several violations that exist. For the Marzano’s property, we also requested a sit-down meeting to determine the future of this site, which now has lain fallow for 10 years and presents a horrible impression of our community; imagine what those Orange Line riders think as they stop at the Pulaski station directly across the street.
Options for Change
At our May Board of Directors meeting, we discussed several options that we as a civic group can take to bring properties into compliance. Some of the actions suggested were: 1) getting our aldermanic offices more actively involved in the pursuit of these addresses; 2) protest marches, picketing, boycotts, massive phone call campaigns; 3) requesting the City to use either condemnation or eminent domain to acquire the properties.
Aside from the problem of vacant properties, another reason for the ramp-up is the fact that a recent fire severely damaged two side-by-side single family homes in our community, yet the politically correct media reported “multiple families” were displaced by the fire. So the question is, how do multiple families get displaced from what are supposed to be two single family homes? Interestingly, one of the affected addresses was previously reported by our civic association, but unfortunately fell through the cracks in the system simply because we do not have the volunteer manpower to follow every violation reported to us.
Additional Volunteers Needed
With the ramp-up, we’re going to need additional volunteers to our Building & Zoning Committee to help with follow-up for the addresses we turn in. Most follow-up is done via the Internet, phone calls, and sometimes requires a presence at court hearings.
Attending a court hearing is not rocket science, but it does send a very powerful message that the community is truly concerned about problem properties. If attendance at court becomes necessary, we will have an experienced volunteer go with you to explain the process and show you the ropes.
This is an excellent opportunity for individuals, such as seniors and college students, who have blocks of time on their hands, to get involved in a process that has a direct affect on the future of our community. If you think you can help us, please call our civic office at 773-843-2232 and leave your name and phone number. We definitely need help on this committee.