UPDATE: Residents of a Chicago apartment building raided by federal agents are in a state of crisis as a Cook County judge has just denied their request for more time to relocate. In a swift decision made during an emergency hearing on December 11, Judge Debra Ann Seaton upheld a December 12 move-out deadline, leaving tenants to scramble for housing in just one day.
The judge’s ruling comes amid mounting concerns over the building’s habitability, which authorities have deemed unsafe due to severe heating issues, fire hazards, and inadequate security. “This court is not making anybody homeless,” Judge Seaton stated, emphasizing that the ruling followed multiple hearings. However, residents argue that the court-appointed property management, Friedman Communities, has provided minimal assistance—offering only a one-time payment of $2,500 to help with relocation.
“Friedman is offering $2,500 up front and another $2,500 after you hand over the keys, but that is all they’re doing,” said Raymond Corona, a two-year resident, highlighting the inadequacy of their proposed relocation strategies. Many residents have reported difficulties reaching other apartment buildings listed by Friedman, with numerous phone numbers either unanswered or disconnected.
Another tenant, Larry Ashley, recounted his experience: “They said I had to be out of here by Friday; it was up to me to find somewhere to go with $1,500 in my pocket.” Ashley, who has lived in the building for five years, expressed frustration, stating that financial assistance is meaningless without a place to live.
The urgency of the situation escalated as organizers from the 7500 South Shore Tenant Union held a press conference immediately following the hearing. They criticized the court’s assertion that residents had ample time to prepare for the move. “People found out about this vacate date on November 26,” said organizer Infiniti Gant. “The tenants didn’t know about it, regardless of the court proceedings.”
In court, Jared Friedman, co-CEO of Friedman Real Estate, reported that only 12 residents had accepted the move-out offer. He confirmed that the building would be secured starting Friday, as residents expressed feelings of being left in the lurch. “I’m killing my hours now, so when I do find a place, what does that look like?” tenant Darren Hightower lamented, as he faces the dual challenge of job security and housing instability.
Mayor Brandon Johnson attempted to intervene on behalf of the tenants, requesting an extension and additional relocation funds of $7,500 for each household. However, Judge Seaton dismissed this effort as “undue influence” and reiterated that the property had been deemed hazardous by city inspectors.
In a statement from the Mayor’s Press Office, a spokesperson clarified that the request was made to prevent homelessness during the harsh winter months, emphasizing that the administration does not dispute the building’s unsafe conditions.
As the deadline approaches, residents are left grappling with feelings of despair and uncertainty. “I am being forced out of my home because of choices that I did not make,” said Corona. “We did not cause this building to deteriorate, yet we are left to deal with the fallout.”
The situation remains fluid, with residents desperately seeking answers as they face a looming deadline. With less than 24 hours to find new accommodations, the urgency of the matter cannot be overstated. As officials continue to navigate the complexities of this case, the fate of these vulnerable tenants hangs in the balance.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as the situation unfolds.
