Update 1.11.2007 | 0 Comment(s)

There was a story about 5401 Itaska on the news this evening. Apparently 30 animals, living in squalid conditions, were removed from the building today. This all must have happened after I drove by the building this morning and noticed just one "condemned" sign on the building. I walked the dog by the property tonight and there were notices of condemnation on every door and some paper work was attached to the front door.

Donna Baringer, 16th ward alderwoman, said the City was aware of the property, but didn't know how bad things actually were. Hmmmm...OK. I find that hard to believe given all the complaints about the property and the fact that anyone walking within half a block of the building could smell cat piss. The odor was very strong. I think anyone who has walked passed or lived by 5401 Itaska could attest to that. It was pretty clear something kind of bad was going on inside the building.

The situation inside the structure was discovered when an officer noticed the building was unsecured, he or she went inside to check things out and discovered what was going on inside. I'm hoping (fingers are triple crossed) that this building will now be put to use and somehow benefit the neighborhood...stay tuned.