Residents of an apartment complex in Harvey, Illinois were left trapped inside their units after their doors and windows were boarded shut due to deplorable living conditions. The incident came to light when videos circulated on social media, raising concerns about the safety of the residents. One resident, Rudolph Williams, reported being trapped inside his unit without any prior notice.
The apartment complex, located on S. Halsted Street, had more than 30 units boarded up with non-occupancy orders. Despite claims that the city had evicted residents, city officials clarified that they had only communicated with the property owners about the unsafe conditions and the urgent need for rectification.
Photos shared by the City of Harvey on social media revealed the extent of the deplorable living conditions and major structural concerns. Broken concrete, rusted-out holes in staircases, personal belongings stored in stairwells, piles of garbage, and overflowing dumpsters were among the issues documented.
In October 2023, the City of Harvey launched an extensive investigation into the property after discussions with the owners, Jay Patel and Henry Cho, regarding structural issues and collapsed stair risers. The city also addressed numerous 911 calls reporting illegal activities at the property.
Prior to the incident, the city had recommended the property owners hire a structural engineer to assess the damages and granted a two-week period for this purpose. The owners were also urged to erect temporary structures to block the stairs for safety reasons during the construction process. The deadline for residents to arrange alternative housing was extended until the end of October.
However, multiple assessments conducted between October 28 and December 14 revealed that two buildings at the property posed an imminent safety risk due to the deterioration of balconies and stairs. On Friday, the property owners boarded up both buildings while city police conducted inspections and wellness checks.
Efforts to reach Mayor Christopher J. Clark for comment were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.
It is crucial to prioritize the well-being and safety of residents in such situations. Authorities must ensure that property owners take immediate action to address structural issues and provide suitable living conditions for tenants.
