CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- The company that sent waves of dust through Little Village during a demolition almost four years ago has reached a settlement with residents who were affected by the incident.
The company responsible for the accident, Hilco Redevelopment, and its contractors agreed to pay the money as part of a proposed class-action lawsuit in federal court in Chicago.
On Easter weekend 2020, property developers imploded a gigantic smokestack at the former Crawford coal-fired power plant in Little Village. Aerial footage showed the implosion enveloping the neighborhood from the plant located at 3501 S. Pulaski Road.
"The demolition was a traumatic event for Little Village residents. We are pleased with the significant $12,250,000 settlement, which will provide a meaningful recovery for class members,” Loevy, the law firm who represented the class of plaintiffs from the Little Village community, said in a statement.
“This was never about money. It is about justice for the Little Village community,” said Juan Rangel in a statement. He was one of the plaintiffs.
"If it weren’t for this class action suit, however, the tragic event almost four years ago would have been long forgotten, especially by the elected leaders who did next to nothing to address the concerns of our neighbors. Now, the crucial work of informing Little Village residents about filing their claims begins.”
Residents who were affected must submit a claim by March 26. They can find for more information and can file a claim here.
A final approval hearing for the class-action suit will be held April 22.
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