Gang Members Leave Over 12 Blocks In The Dark In Brighton Park

CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Brighton Park is in the dark, with street lights completely out on more than 12 blocks.

Ald. Raymond Lopez believes gang members are to blame for the neighborhood's darkness, CBS 2 Chicago reported.

Gangs have been opening the street light poles and cutting the wires over and over again, which have left at least 13 blocks in the dark. 

Resident Sharon O'Sullivan said lights in front of her house have been out for months.

"There is no light. It's scary, I don't usually stand out here right now," O'Sullivan told CBS 2. 

She said she would like to see repairs made that include sealing the bottom of the light poles so people can't get into the wiring as easily. 

But the other problem of the issue is there is no budget for repairs or replacements. 

The alderman said police and the Chicago Department of Transportation are working with his office to target the problem.

The blocks that were in the dark as of Thursday night are as follows:
  • The 4200, 4300, and 4500 blocks of South Washtenaw Avenue;
  • The 4200 and 4300 blocks of South Talman Avenue;
  • The 4200 and 4300 blocks of South Rockwell Street;
  • The 4200 and 4300 blocks of South Maplewood Avenue;
  • The 4200, 4300, and 4400 blocks of South Campbell Avenue;
  • The 2400 block of West Pope John Paul II Drive (43rd Street).

Lopez is urging residents to call his office and report lights that are out. He also wants residents to report any gang activity, and any known gang homes in neighborhood, so they can target problem at source. Lopez’s Brighton Park office is at (773) 823-1539, and his West Englewood office is at (773) 306-0839.