Wednesday Journal’s story on Heritage House [News, July 29] illustrates why Oak Park needs to improve how it deals with problem properties.
The process is too slow. Per the article: “It has been plagued for years by issues like filthy floors, rats and bedbugs, inadequate garbage dumpsters and … outsiders entering the building unfettered.”
The process is too timid. “Oak Park began issuing citations this spring instead of the usual warnings.” One or two warnings should suffice before citations are issued.
The penalties are too minor. “Pacific Management was assessed a $50 fine … for each citation.” The fines totaled $500, a drop in the bucket compared to the money saved by failing to keep the property clean, safe, and vermin-free over the years.
We have experienced similar commercial and residential property issues in the North Avenue District. For example, the long-vacant IHOP at North and Elmwood has been an eyesore and a health/safety hazard for years. When asked about this property last summer, a village employee said: “We’re working with the owner.” Really? After years of neglect? There are several other North Avenue examples. Nothing is a greater impediment to revitalization efforts than problem properties like this one.
An inadequate approach to problem properties has been an Oak Park issue for a long time, long predating Kevin Jackson’s tenure as village manager, due to some combination of municipal code insufficiencies and the village’s generally laissez-faire culture toward the owners of these properties. I would like to see the village take direct action on serious problems, bill the owners, and file liens against the properties. HUD hired a temp agency to clean Heritage House. The village should take a page from its book. Had it done so, the serious fire at 1239 N. Taylor in February could have been prevented.
It’s my understanding that village staff is studying how its approach to problem properties can be improved, including by direct action. It’s about time. I hope the study process can be expedited.
Judith Alexander
Oak Park