CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) - Cool air is now flowing through the James Sneider Apartments in Rogers Park, which house seniors and people with disabilities.
“We’ve been here all afternoon and evening making sure residents could have air conditioning,” said 49th Ward Alderwoman Maria Hadden in a Facebook live video.
Hadden said building officials told her they don't turn on the AC until June 1, no matter how hot it gets.
“They did not turn the air conditioning on, they were waiting, and there are three confirmed people who have passed away,” Hadden added.
The women were identified as Janice Reed, 68; Gwendolyne Osborne, 72; and Delores McNeeley, 76.
Residents of the building described this weekend's sweltering heat to CBS 2.
"I could not sleep," said resident Linda Sharp. "I was up until 3 o'clock in the morning sweating."
"You can't breathe in there," added resident Loran Barnes.
The Hispanic Housing Development Corporation, which owns the building, released the following statement:
"We are deeply saddened by the deaths of three residents at 7450 N. Rogers. The safety and security of our residents has always been our highest priority at HHDC. We are working with the city of Chicago and conducting our own investigation into the incident."
Alderwoman Hadden said it may be time to change city ordinances, telling people that they have to provide AC for their residents.
"If common sense isn't prevailing and building management companies who seem more interested in saving a buck when they should have turned on that air conditioning, then maybe the city needs to come up with some change in legislation to enforce it," Hadden said.
The Cook County Medical Examiner has not yet ruled on the causes of death for the three women.
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