CHICAGO — In an effort to clamp down on illegal activity, the city said it is on track to tear down 50 vacant buildings in high-crime areas by the end of next week.
A new program launched by Mayor Rahm Emanuel has sought to fast-track the demolition of vacant buildings that are thought to be used by gangs, according to a press release from the mayor's office.
In a joint effort by the Chicago Police Department and the Department of Buildings, problem properties are put on a list and considered for fast-track demolition, according to the press release.
After launching the new program in February, the city said it is on track to demolish 50 vacant buildings by next Friday. City officials will be on hand for the tearing down of the 45th building in the program Friday morning in Englewood.
So far this year, the city has demolished a total of 58 buildings and has boarded up 677 buildings, according to the city.
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