Crain's is reporting on the results of a study done by the Chicago Department of Buildings on vacancies across the city, which looked at more than 6,000 properties. The 17th Ward, home to Englewood, tops the list with 358 vacancies. Trailing closely behind is the 34th Ward on the far southwest side, which includes West Pullman, with 352 vacant properties. By contrast, northside wards along the lake had the lowest numbers. In an effort to combat to the ills associated with chronically vacant homes, the city enacted legislation forcing banks to pay fines if they neglect to maintain foreclosed properties. So far, the new law has netted $619,000 from banks in the first quarter alone. Another solution, proposed Cook County Commissioner Bridget Gainer, is the creation of a countywide land bank that would buy and sell distressed properties. She is planning to introduce an ordinance sometime this summer.
·Where Chicago's Vacant Homes Are [Crain's]
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