New Proposal Calls for Watchmen at Vacant Buildings Near Schools

By Chicago Talks on October 3, 2011

Aldermen Outside Vacant Building in Austin

A new ordinance would require owners of foreclosed and vacant properties located within a 1,000-yard-radius of a school to hire watchmen to ensure students’ safe passage to and from school, if the ordinance’s sponsors Ald. Deborah Graham (29^th) and Bob Fioretti (2^nd) have their way.

If passed, the Vacant Property Safe Passages Ordinance — which Ald. Graham plans to introduce at the Chicago City Council’s Housing Committee meeting Wednesday — would allow the city to fine banks or other owners of foreclosed buildings up to $500 for failing to have watchmen on duty between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Any money generated from fining the property owners would go back into the city’s school system, said Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) staff coordinator Jackson Potter.