CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- The Emanuel Administration is taking action and using emergency powers to try to get the heat back on for tenants in at least four apartment buildings.
Normally, if the city feels there’s an emergency at a building without heat – one with many seniors, for example – city lawyers would go to court. But the courts were closed Wednesday because of the extreme cold.
Chicago Buildings Commissioner Judy Frydland said Wednesday she has used her police powers to appoint a receiver for a number of buildings with no heat. The receiver has the authority to contact tenants and talk with contractors about repairs to a heating system.
If repairs can’t be made quickly, the city will relocate tenants during the interim. Landlords are expected to pay the expenses.