Below is the process we use to deal with troubled buildings in the area. It is not foolproof and should be adjusted on a case-by-case basis, but if there is a problem building on your street, this is the starting point.
Processes for Problem Buildings
I. Drug/Gang Houses
Community
1. Call 911 for any crime in action, mentioning address of building involved
2. Download and fill out a Gang and Drug House survey, send to CAPS office
3. Inform Alderman’s office
4. Inform CAPS office, attend beat meetings to follow-up
5. After any arrests, participate as court advocates
Police
1. Look into building’s eligibility for DGHES (recent arrests and building code violations)
2. Provide special attention to building
3. After any arrests, provide Alderman’s office and Court Advocacy Chair with arrestees’ court information
Alderman’s Office
1. Discuss with owner/manager
2. Discuss with police
3. If complaints have come from multiple people, request Tactical attention
4. If in DGHES, cooperate with Law and other departments for maximum results
5. After any arrest, assist in coordination of court advocacy effort
II. Building code/Construction violations
Community
1. Call 311/Alderman’s office
2. Attend Administrative Hearing or Housing Court
Alderman’s office
1. Request inspection
2. Call owner/developer
3. If a stop work order is in effect, notify community so they can call 911 if they see work being done
III. Vacant/Open/Dangerous
Community
1. Call 311
2. Call Alderman’s office
3. Attend later Administrative Hearing or Housing Court
Police
1. Call owner, request compliance
2. Write citation. Provide to Law Dept.
3. Watch building for vagrants/drug activity
Alderman’s Office
1. Call owner, request compliance
2. Put in 311 system
3. Inform Troubled Buildings officer/attorney
4. Coordinate with Police and Law on progress of case (provide evidence that building is insecure; follow Admin. Case; if building not secured after Admin. Order, request Law to file Slum Nuisance case with goal of forfeiture)
5. Coordinate court advocacy participation in community
