Members Rally At Chase Bank's Unsecured Vacant Lot Where Rape Occurred

Action Now member James Foster, who lives across the alley from the vacant property, speaks about how he heard the rape happen in the lot and helped the woman to safety

Action Now members held a rally and press conference on Thursday October 6^th, because they were concerned about an unsecured vacant lot in the 27^th Ward where a woman was raped in June of 2011. Chase Bank is responsible for the vacant lot and they have not secured the lot in accordance with the Vacant Property Ordinance.

Chase Bank is the servicer for the property at 726 N. Kedzie where the rape occurred, which means that under the Vacant Property Ordinance amendment that went into effect on September 10^th, 2011, they are responsible for the maintenance and security of the lot. Even though a rape occurred in the lot and the Vacant Property Ordinance amendment went into effect, Chase Bank continues to refuse to follow the law. For example, the back of the lot (where the rape occurred) is still completely open and not secured by a gate or fence.

The area of the vacant lot where the rape occurred

The vacant lot is directly adjacent to Kells Park and is across the street from the Richard M. Daley Branch of the Chicago Public Library, which makes the property a refuge for criminals and a danger for children and the community. Action Now members are demanding that the City of Chicago enforce the Vacant Property Ordinance amendment so that vacant lots and buildings no longer bring violence and criminal activity to the neighborhood.

Media Coverage:

Univision, “Residentes: Lote baldio es un peligro”

Progress Illinois, “Community Group Keeps The Pressure On Banks To Clean Up & Secure Foreclosures”