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Raccoons in vacant houses raise concerns in southeast Oak Park
Critters cause safety fears for residents in neighborhood
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By Anna Lothson
Abandoned properties cause all kinds of complications. Spurring crime, dropping nearby property values and creating an eye-sore are just a few consequences of foreclosed homes.
Tucked behind 1145 S. Humphrey Ave. in Oak Park is a carriage house that's become famous for attracting daring kids hoping for a peek inside the vacant property, but recently it has attracted unwanted visitors that have made neighbors wary about being outside after dark.
The subjects in question are the influx of raccoons that neighbors have reported seeing, including a night when one woman noticed about a dozen sitting in one tree.
Oak Park resident Tara Schaafsma and her neighbor Aida Stefanelli have reported the issue to the village, but because of the legal mess involved as the property transitions through the foreclosure process, the village doesn't have a wealth of options to employ.
In the meantime, Schaafsma has taken the issue into her own hands.
"I don't know why [the village] can't trap them," she said. "I've been trapping them."
In one five-day period she captured six raccoons and one opossum. One night, however, she grew discouraged when she found one trapped and four surrounding the cage.
"It just seems like there is no end in sight," she said. Schaafsma has been on the block for six years and said the house has been neglected the entire time. The chimney appears caved in; the appearance of the property is disheveled, creating what the neighbors say is a perfect refuge for critters.
"This year, the raccoons have just been terrorizing the yard," she said. "They've dug up the grass and eaten gardens."
What concerns residents most, however, is allowing their children to play in the area. Schaafsma said she or her neighbors often come home at dusk and have to scurry inside to avoid the animals.
Neighbors have been in contact with the health department, but the only response they've received is that the property would be evaluated by an animal control officer and a property standards director. In the past, the property owners were cited for the poor condition of the structure, according to Village Trustee Bob Tucker, but the owners weren't responsive to fixing the violations. The village doesn't typically get involved outside of that until the bank officially takes over, he noted.
The carriage house behind the vacant home currently has a padlock securing its main door, but the overgrown greenery surrounding the home have created a forest-like atmosphere around the property. The fence into the backyard often isn't secured, which leaves the backyard wide open for the animal intruders.
"I am certain there are lots of families of raccoons and opossums," Schaafsma said. "And the door [of the carriage house] is busted open often."
Neighbors hope the property will soon be condemned and torn down.
"I don't think it's repairable," Schaafsma said. "I don't see it at all. It's a mess."
Tucker said the village is hoping to gain access to the carriage house, especially to address any immediate health and safety issues. Still, enforcement remains difficult.
"Sometimes penalties and fines can only go so far," he said, noting that village staff is staying on top of the issue.
This case, Tucker said, may lend itself to future policy discussions about stricter codes for properties that fall into a similar state.
Stefanelli has been tracking the issue with Schaafsma for years and continues to report the issue to the village.
"It's frustrating," she said. She understands that the poor economy has created a foreclosed property issue, but wants something to be done to avoid having other properties affected as a result. As the logistics of property ownership is hashed out, Stefanelli would at least like the lawn to be cut and the property managed.
"It's been unbelievable. [People] are afraid after dark to go out. … We want the raccoons gone. It can't just stay like that. That's totally unsafe."
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Latest Comments
Good, accurate reporting, Cathy. I look forward to future posts.
By Bridgett
Posted: May 24th, 2013 11:32 PM
@rfrench, thanks for making me realize I am not crazy here. yes the park looks...
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By Tito Aguilar
Posted: May 24th, 2013 9:31 PM
@rfrench, Another way to look at it is how many workers directly and indirectly...
By Bridgett
Posted: May 24th, 2013 7:14 PM
Sounds like you already have him convicted, tired person. Heard of innocent...
By FYI
Posted: May 24th, 2013 6:32 PM
is anyone else embarrassed at this state expenditure while people are jobless/...
By rfrench
Posted: May 24th, 2013 6:13 PM
the adm compensation is out of control. Board needs to reconsider!!!
By R. French
Posted: May 24th, 2013 6:09 PM
Where is the part about when he lived in OP? Isnt that a big part considering...
By Joan
Posted: May 24th, 2013 3:08 PM
I don't know how Mr. Allenburg's pension is/will be determined on his leaving...
By Gary M Sullivan
Posted: May 24th, 2013 1:44 PM
Sean
Posted: August 13th, 2012 12:13 PM
Property taxes are up to date and paid by the owner Jeanette Jones. Seems like a easy solution to go after the owners. On another note, this situation gives new meaning to the saying Living like the Jones. :)
Oakparker from Oak Park
Posted: August 13th, 2012 12:46 AM
Re coyotes moving in, we've had a couple of them show up in local park over last couple of years. Many did not recognize it as a coyote. Never called about it because I knew it would find plenty of mice to dine on. Also knew others would complain once they figured out it was a coyote. Have also seen hawks around here.
Oakparker from Oak Park
Posted: August 13th, 2012 12:41 AM
Relating to my previous comment, we moved here 40 years ago and the Village was quick to give out tickets for any property not up to minimum standards. Yes, we got a couple of them. We even had Junk-A-Days 1 or 2 times a year to pick up bulk items for free. Lots of stuff never made it on the truck, but was cherry-picked by neighbors or junkman.
Brendan
Posted: August 12th, 2012 7:18 PM
There is another area that these problems exist, its called the ghetto. What the hell is wrong with our village employees?
Debbie from Oak Park
Posted: August 12th, 2012 8:14 AM
What concerns do the raccoons have?
OP Resident
Posted: August 11th, 2012 10:54 AM
The person who lived at that house had more ambulance calls in the past 5 years than the rest of the block combined. I don't know if she lives there any longer, but it's sad to see the state of not only the main house, but also the carriage house.
Brian Slowiak from Oak Park
Posted: August 10th, 2012 2:10 PM
To Kind NIMBY from OP: I am out raged you left out rabbits. How narrow of you. I live next to a lot which is to small to build on. Therefore, I welcome with open arms all animals to live in peace and harmony next to me, regardless of creed,life style, even the meat eaters. Please examine your soul.
Brian Slowiak from Oak Park
Posted: August 10th, 2012 1:34 PM
To 1100 & L:SEOP had during the remedation of Barrie up to 6POs working post 16,2 at project, 1CTA off.,two beat off.and a RBO. Not bad for the smallest post in town.A new park and new streets. Lots of lemonade for those lemons. I propose we walk, record every violation, and meet w/ Pope in his office.Next year we get the church kids to rehab in SEOP not out of state.Careful,the SEOP stop sign complaint had a PO Stationed at a Stop sign and many SEOPers were cited.Im in book,love a good fight
anonymous from Oak Park
Posted: August 10th, 2012 12:56 PM
Ooops, I meant cougars (mountain lions) and cayotes. They even found one in Chicago (it's mounted in the Field Museum now). Nature has a way of solving its own problems if you choose to ignore them.
anonymous from Oak Park
Posted: August 10th, 2012 12:47 PM
Relax. I hear cayotes and bobcats are on their way to the Chicago area and suburbs.
Roxann Lopez
Facebook Verified
Posted: August 10th, 2012 11:35 AM
We've only been here a little over 2 years and the rate at which services have declined and taxes have shot up (at least ours)are astounding to me. This wildlife problem is definitely a public health issue and should be confronted by the Village as such. The solution must be-as presented by other contributors on other topics-to vote in new blood and get some fresh ideas on how to improve things for all of us in OP. The frustration seems Village-wide.
Village Punts....Again from OP
Posted: August 10th, 2012 8:03 AM
It's interesting that many areas of OP feel that they are the stepchild of the village -- the fact is that all areas of town have been ignored except for a very small area around Marion St. The rest of the village and its needs and infrastructure have been ignored for too long. This animal infestation is a health and safety issue and the Village is making excuses for why they won't handle it. They want it to be someone else's responsibility...like everything else in the village! Shocking
Oakparker from Oak Park
Posted: August 9th, 2012 11:20 PM
Roxann Lopez - I was startled to read your comment that SE OP was the stepchild in the Village. I thought NE OP had become the unwanted stepchild in OP that is pretty much ignored unless major complaining is done. Certainly few to no resources are spent here assuring minimum standards for housing. Wasn't like that anywhere in OP when we moved here. It's a disgrace that a house in that condition exists in SE OP.
1100 block of Lyman from Oak Park
Posted: August 9th, 2012 12:58 PM
All sarcasm and joking aside here, I live in this neighborhood, and it is a health and safety issue for children, adults and pets. What we have here is an infestation of raccoons, and sightings of rats. How can the village tag a garage for chipped paint, and turn a blind eye to an issue of public health. I know its complicated because of foreclosure and bank ownership, but I am sure that this is not the only problematic abandoned property in Oak Park.
Roxann Lopez from Oak Park
Facebook Verified
Posted: August 9th, 2012 9:42 AM
Southeast OP is the red headed stepchild of the Village. The Board and President Pope should be ashamed that tax paying residents are speaking out about trapping animals themselves. They are cute but they also have the potential to carry disease and can be dangerous when confronted. Give some service to those of us in SEOP!
Q from Oak Park
Posted: August 9th, 2012 9:36 AM
What would Pope and Raymond do if this was by their home? They would have the Village buy the property, and remove it. If they can do that, then why doesn't the Village start buying these homes and keep Oak Park, from becoming a Village that has homes like this? They can spend millions on brick streets fro their friends. Austin blvd. property was bought by the Village to save it from becoming like this home. It worked, but Pope and Raymond don't care.
foom
Posted: August 9th, 2012 9:30 AM
Cutest Infestation ever
The Real Ralphie
Posted: August 9th, 2012 7:27 AM
Awwwwwww, c'mon Flick! Why do you have to use my name? I'm gonna tell my mom what you did, and you know what happened the last time...
Kind NIMBY from OP
Posted: August 9th, 2012 5:40 AM
Hmmmm
Posted: August 8th, 2012 11:05 PM
Is this a black and white issue or both?
Ralphie
Posted: August 8th, 2012 9:54 PM
I can have one stuffed for you if you think they're cute, Violet.
Brian Slowiak from Oak Park
Posted: August 8th, 2012 7:05 PM
I hope the village treats these creature with respect, dignity, fairness, and respect, just the the village treated the pigeons. I also place into consideration a Raccoon Awareness Day In All Locations (RADICAL) and a ban on the teaching of Daniel Boone in any of the schools.
Violet Aura
Posted: August 8th, 2012 4:26 PM
Aw!!!! Could they be any more adorable??!
OPRFDad
Posted: August 8th, 2012 4:18 PM
Guerilla marketing by Allstate.
raccoonz kilz
Posted: August 8th, 2012 3:11 PM
Another raccoon incident, when will we take action and outlaw these nocturnal outlaws.
Done from Oak Park
Posted: August 8th, 2012 2:30 PM
And the racoons are still there even after they got their tax bill?
Steve
Posted: August 8th, 2012 1:37 PM
You think it's bad now. Wait until the poor sap who buys the house has to wait for months to get a building permit.
Mrs. Parker
Posted: August 8th, 2012 11:56 AM
@Ralphie: No, you'll shoot your eye out.
Nothing New
Posted: August 8th, 2012 11:43 AM
Racoons have been around for many more years than the foreclosure debacle. Nothing new here.
Ralphie
Posted: August 8th, 2012 10:48 AM
It may not work, but i feel GREAT!
Donna Peel from Oak Park, Illinois
Facebook Verified
Posted: August 8th, 2012 9:27 AM
http://www.cdph.ca.gov/healthinfo/discond/Documents/RaccoonRoundworms.pdf. Time for the passage of an emergency ordinance to protect the kids in this neighborhood.
Keepn it Real
Posted: August 8th, 2012 9:24 AM
@Ralphie, if you honestly think that will work then you arer as slow as the raccoons are.they will continue to do as they want and act as if that dead raccoon laying by them is taking a nap
foom@hotmail.com
Posted: August 8th, 2012 9:06 AM
When these little guys are not terrorizing people they are quite adorable
Ralphie
Posted: August 8th, 2012 9:05 AM
It works. Shoot one and leave the carcass to rot where it falls. The stench will scare the bejesus out of the rest of the pack. If you or any neighbors have a problem with that, call the village and let THEM humanely trap 'em.
davidschaafsma from Oak Park
Posted: August 8th, 2012 8:12 AM
Yes, there are rats aplenty, though they as far as I can tell stay in the alley... but the raccoon population is bursting, and getting braver and more aggressive.... They tried to come into my house when I attempted to chase them off the back porch the other early morning... And we have yet to harm one of them, Ralphie, trapping them only, but many people have suggested we take your solution...
Ralphie
Posted: August 8th, 2012 6:47 AM
What you need is an Official Red Ryder Carbine-Action Two-Hundred-Shot Range Model Air Rifle with a compass in the stock. Silent but deadly.
RLM from Oak Park
Posted: August 8th, 2012 12:03 AM
Maybe this will prompt the Village to DO something. I live next to a fully inhabited house but the owners do nothing to maintain the property. Unkempt yard, debris in the gangway, and tree branches falling into our yard. I've seen raccoons and very aggressive possums. The police actually know the house when they round the corner there have been so many complaints, yet no one can do anything about the house or the behavior. My children and I also have to run in at night to avoid critters
BrentBorgerson from Oak Park
Posted: August 7th, 2012 11:05 PM
I don't see mention of rats, must be plenty of them in those properties!