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New Proposal Calls for Watchmen at Vacant Buildings Near Schools

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 (29th) and Bob Fioretti (2nd) 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.

(To read the rest of this story, click here to go to Austin Talks)

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