Residents of a single-room occupancy building, Northmere, located at 4943 N. Kenmore Ave. in Uptown, faced displacement recently. Under a judge’s order dated October 21, the tenants were required to vacate by 10 a.m. on a Friday due to the building’s deteriorating conditions. This abrupt eviction left many residents struggling to secure new housing.
Uninhabitable Conditions Lead to Eviction
The Northmere has failed 13 building inspections since 2022, accumulating 63 code violations over two years. Observers described the internal environment as hazardous, including caving ceiling tiles, water leaks, lack of heating, and pest infestations. Upon eviction, some tenants reported being unaware of the deadline, while others had difficulties moving due to age or disabilities.
Aubrey Dvorak, a social worker with the Uptown People’s Law Center, noted that of the 70 residents initially living in the Northmere, 42 had moved out prior to the eviction deadline. The abrupt nature of the vacate order prompted concerns about the fate of the building and its tenants.
Challenges for Residents
- David Jacobson, a long-time resident since 2018, plans to relocate to DeKalb, Illinois.
- Felix Maceiro, who moved out earlier, expressed frustration over conditions that included flooding and infestations.
- Relocation assistance of $2,500 was provided to each tenant, but many faced challenges in securing new housing.
Residents reported financial hardships, with relocation checks insufficient to cover immediate living expenses. Social service agencies collaborated to assist those in need, despite the tight timeline imposed by the court order.
Legal Complications Surround Ownership
The Northmere is under a unique land-trust ownership structure, complicating the current legal situation following the recent passing of the beneficiary, Lino Iscra. Concerns have arisen over the responsibilities of his heir, Ken Iscra, who allegedly continued to collect rent despite lacking legal ownership rights.
Nefsa’Hyatt Brown, director of public affairs for the Department of Buildings, indicated that the city is committed to preserving affordable housing options. The Northmere is one of the last remaining SROs in the area, with a significant loss of such buildings over recent years.
The Future of Affordable Housing
According to a 2024 study by the University of Illinois Chicago, nearly 40% of the city’s SRO buildings have closed since 2014, raising alarms about the future of affordable housing in Uptown. Local advocacy groups are active in securing tenants’ rights and assistance, with a unified goal to preserve this vital source of affordable living space.
As discussions continue regarding the Northmere’s future, community leaders emphasize the need to protect and increase accessible housing options for low-income individuals. Alderman Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth stressed the importance of maintaining these resources for vulnerable populations at risk of homelessness.
The circumstances surrounding the Northmere represent a critical moment for both its former tenants and the ongoing struggle for affordable housing in Chicago.
