WBEX.org recently published an extensive article exploring Chicago's controversial red 'X' program, which has sparked widespread curiosity and confusion among residents. As Chicagoan Poppy Coleman wandered through her Logan Square neighborhood, she stumbled upon two dilapidated buildings adorned with large, ominous red 'X' signs. Intrigued and concerned, she delved deeper into what these symbols might mean.
Since the program's inception in 2012, nearly 2,000 of these red 'X' signs have appeared across Chicago. Many locals have taken to online forums, questioning whether these signs indicate a building is condemned, vacant, or simply for sale. Despite its noble intentions to protect firefighters and others, the program has faced significant challenges, including financial constraints.
The tragic incident that spurred this initiative occurred on December 22, 2010, when firefighters entered a burning, long-abandoned laundromat on Chicago's South Shore. During their search, a collapsing wall and subsequent roof failure claimed the lives of two firefighters, Edward Stringer and Corey Ankum, while injuring 19 others.
In response, Alderman Debra Silverstein, representing the 50th Ward, introduced two city ordinances. The first mandated a detailed inventory of buildings with bowstring truss construction, a type of architecture particularly susceptible to collapse during fires. Her second ordinance aimed to identify and mark all of Chicago's hazardous structures. For this initiative, the city adopted the familiar red 'X' design, borrowed from fire departments in New York City and elsewhere. This symbol originates from a federal program for labeling vacant structures.
However, not every vacant or abandoned building in Chicago qualifies for a red 'X' sign. These signs serve as a warning, indicating that a structure is structurally unstable and requires firefighters to exercise caution during emergencies. Since the ordinance was enacted in June 2012, the Chicago Fire Department (CFD) has installed 1,804 red 'X' signs. Although this represents only a fraction of the over 5,000 vacant properties listed in the city, CFD spokesperson Larry Langford insists it’s progress.
Initially, the Department of Buildings provided a list of several hundred properties exceeding 35% deterioration. From there, aldermen and their offices took charge of promoting awareness about the signs' significance. While there is a process for restoring vacant buildings, the city demands special permissions for renovations involving red 'X' structures. Surprisingly, after two years, only one building has been successfully repaired and had its red 'X' officially removed.
Despite its initial promise, the red 'X' program has encountered financial setbacks. Funded by a $675,000 grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Assistance to Firefighters program, most of the funds went to two local contractors: AGAE Contractors and M-K Signs. According to data obtained by WBEZ, the city spent the entire amount within thirteen months, beginning in June 2012, and hasn’t added any new signs since July 2013.
This story highlights the complexities of urban safety initiatives and the challenges of maintaining adequate funding for critical programs. Thanks to Dan for sharing this insightful piece.
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