Evictions Begin At Logan Square Building Where Rents Have Spiked
(CBS) – Dozens of Logan Square residents have taken to the streets to protest rent increases in their neighborhoods.
Now, many of these tenants are getting notices they have to move out.
CBS 2's Sandra Torres reports.
For Natalie Jose, the last few months have been an emotional roller coaster. She, along with other tenants in her Sawyer Avenue building, just received notice they must vacate the premises in 30 days.
"I cried when I got the notice," Jose says. "I'm stressed out, it's definitely affecting me emotionally."
The problems began when M. Fishman & Co. purchased the building a few months ago. Tenants quickly learned rent would go up between $300 and $600 per month.
Ward 35 Ald. Carlos Ramirez Rosa says because many can't afford to pay, they are being evicted.
"We have families, we have people that have planted their roots here in this community, and they should be allowed to grow in this community," he says. "I've asked Mr. Fishman, I've asked his representatives, to meet with the tenants that are organizing for fairness in this building. Unfortunately, we haven't been able to set a date yet."
Time is running out.
"I never thought I would be someone that would be evicted," Jose says.
The landlord did not respond to requests for comment.
Rosa says he is in talks with local state representatives about changing state law to have rent control.
