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Aldermen Backing Ordinance To Protect Renters After Foreclosures

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Several aldermen have joined community activists in calling for passage of a measure designed to prevent more buildings from becoming vacant.

WBBM Newsradio Political Editor Craig Dellimore reports, more than six months ago, Ald. Richard Mell (33rd) proposed an ordinance to discourage banks from forcing renters out of foreclosed buildings, leaving the structures vacant.

That measure has languished in the City Council Housing Committee without a hearing.

Ordinance Aims Reduce Vacancies

Ald. Proco "Joe" Moreno (1st) said he doesn't know what the problem is.

"Let's face it, it's been seven months, let's move on this, lets' get this going. If you're against it, come to the hearing and say you're against it," he said.

Ald. Walter Burnett Jr. (27th) joined Moreno and local advocates.

"There is dialogue going on with the administration about it. I think we're almost there, but we need to keep pushing, because every minute we mess around, so many more houses are getting messed up in our communities," he said.

Forty-two other aldermen have signed on to sponsor the ordinance.

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