Elderly and disabled residents of Crestwood Senior Apartments, their elected officials and supporters, and Jane Addams Senior Caucus (JASC), will hold a press conference to call attention to dangerous and deteriorating living conditions that continue to threaten the health, safety, and dignity of residents.
Among the most alarming concerns are inadequate hot water and large openings left in apartment walls and ceilings. According to residents plumbers recently left after not being paid, leaving many to wallow in these conditions.
Rather than properly sealing these openings with approved materials such as Coroplast or other durable barriers, as required by a recent Dept of Buildings Court Order, some residents report that duct tape or a seran wrap like plastic has been placed over the holes, while other openings remain exposed. Residents fear that these conditions allow dust, insulation, debris, pests, and other contaminants to enter their homes.
In addition to the unfinished plumbing repairs, residents continue to report:
- Water leaks & flooding causing damage to apartments.
- Repeated loss of hot water.
- Pest infestations and bed bugs.
- Sewage backups and plumbing failures.
- Garbage in the building creating unsanitary conditions.
- Delayed maintenance and unfinished repair work throughout the property.
- Inadequate follow-up after maintenance issues.
Many Crestwood residents are seniors living on fixed incomes who have lived there for years. They cannot, and do not want to leave. But they will no longer accept waiting in usafe apartments where basic repairs often take weeks or months to complete.
According to Resident Carol Smith: “I live in Crestwood Apartments at 525 N. Austin, and I am completely put out, fed up, disgusted, and discouraged by the way these repairs to our plumbing have been handled. They have drilled holes all over this building—in my living room and in my kitchen—and left them open. I’ve got holes.”
Crestwood Senior Apartments has already experienced multiple failed inspections and has been under court-appointed receivership. Residents are calling on City of Chicago, the court-appointed receiver Frontline, property management, and all responsible agencies to take immediate action by:
- Completing all outstanding plumbing repairs.
- Permanently closing wall and ceiling openings with proper building materials—not duct tape.
- Restoring adequate maintenance staffing, including qualified plumbing personnel.
- Correcting all health and safety violations.
- Improving communication with residents regarding repair timelines.
While Frontline stated on Friday afternoon July 27 that all holes would be covered according to the Court Order, this has not happened as of the time this Press Release is sent.
The Jane Addams Senior Caucus stands with Crestwood residents in demanding immediate action and long-term accountability to ensure every resident can live in safe, decent, and sanitary housing. Attached are photos of some units current conditions.
