‘Dangerous Buildings’ in Oak Lawn Targeted for Demolition

A cluster of buildings in Oak Lawn owned by the same owner is targeted for demolition within the next 60 days.

Residents have long complained about the ramshackle vacant buildings at 9801 Southwest Hwy., 9816 S. Melvina Ave., 6200 W. 99th St. and 6202 W. 99th St., including a large garage, being dangerous and a safety concern in the neighborhood.

A garage at 10300-10400 S. Tripp is also slated for destruction.

“These buildings have been an eyesore on our community,” Trustee Bob Streit said. “It’s time for them to be cleaned up.”

The Oak Lawn Village Board awarded a contract to Environmental Cleansing Corp. in the amount of $37,741 at last week’s village board meeting. The contract is contingent upon review and approval by the village attorneys.

The company was chosen because of its experience in removing asbestos. Environmental Cleansing Corp. handled the demolition of the former family services building.

Village Manager Larry Deetjen said the village has met with the buildings’ owner “unsuccessfully,” to try to get him to take care of his buildings. All of the owner’s properties have “significant liens” against them, according to Deetjen.

“We’ve been moving along very methodically. I know it’s been slow going,” Deetjen said.

Demolition of the other properties is expected to take place within 60 days, once demolition permits are obtained from Cook County. The county requires registered demolition contractors for residential properties over 625 square feet and all properties zoned commercial or rental.

Deetjen said the village is set to proceed on demolishing the garage at Tripp Avenue within 30 days. The other properties are expected to be demolished in 60 days, Deetjen said.