Mayor Rahm Emanuel says he's not happy with the level of gang violence in Chicago.
The mayor Monday announced a new program to board up or tear down vacant buildings used by gangs.
Police are doing gang audits, so they can identify where specific gangs operate and their members. The plan the mayor announced Monday calls for the city to spend $4 million to tear down or board up vacant buildings that have been identified as places where gangs live, deal and store drugs, and hide guns.
Gangs, the mayor said, "will not find shelter in the city of Chicago."
Two hundred buildings are on the police watch list.
Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy said gangs often use vacant buildings to hide guns and drugs.
The building department will set aside $4 million for the program.
The mayor says it's just one part of the city's new strategy to get rid of gangs.
The initial focus of the program will take place in several neighborhoods including Englewood, Greater Grand Crossing, Lawndale, Garfield Park and Little Village.
Sunday, May 19 2013 10:52 AM EDT2013-05-19 14:52:09 GMT
Four people have been killed and at least 15 other people wounded -- including a 12-year-old boy left in critical condition -- in shootings around the city since Friday night.
Four people have been killed and at least 15 other people wounded -- including a 12-year-old boy left in critical condition -- in shootings around the city since Friday night.
Saturday, May 18 2013 11:26 PM EDT2013-05-19 03:26:02 GMT
Seven juveniles were arrested Saturday night after police responded to groups of teens running through traffic around North Michigan Avenue on the Gold Coast.
Seven juveniles were arrested Saturday night after police responded to groups of teens running through traffic around North Michigan Avenue on the Gold Coast.
Friday, May 17 2013 10:37 PM EDT2013-05-18 02:37:06 GMT
On Friday, the current Chicago Teacher's Union President Karen Lewis announced that she has been re-elected and says she won with 80 percent of the vote.
On Friday, the current Chicago Teacher's Union President Karen Lewis announced that she has been re-elected and says she won with 80 percent of the vote.
205 N. Michigan Avenue Ground Floor Chicago, IL 60601 Station Operator: (312) 565-5532 Newsroom: (312)565-5533
