CHICAGO, IL — Dozens of tenants living in two dangerously deteriorated apartment buildings in South Shore will now receive $50,000 in court-ordered assistance and extended move-out deadlines, following a powerful campaign by a local tenants union.
The residents of 6715–23 and 6952–58 S. Paxton Ave., formerly managed by CKO Real Estate, had been ordered to vacate by a Cook County judge after the buildings were declared unsafe. But thanks to organized pressure, their final move-out deadlines have been extended—June 18 and June 25, respectively—and additional relocation funds have been granted.
Unsafe Conditions Spark Emergency Action
The decision follows a months-long crisis for tenants who endured:
- Freezing indoor temperatures
- Sewage backups and pest infestations
- Utility shutoffs
- A fire at 6715–23 S. Paxton in February
Shortly after the fire, CKO Real Estate abruptly ceased management operations, citing an internal restructuring. But the properties are still owned by Jackson Highlands Properties and GRV Jackson Park LLC—companies linked to Chikoo Patel, according to state records.
“This is about justice. People have been living in uninhabitable conditions while ownership walked away,” said Sahar Punjwani, an organizer with Southside Together Organizing for Power (STOP).
How the $50,000 Will Be Used
The negotiated court package includes:
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$2,500 per tenant household, disbursed in stages:
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$1,000 already paid
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$1,000 post-court order
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$500 when keys are returned
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Funds are unrestricted and can be used for storage, movers, security deposits, or other relocation needs
The payments are fronted by Chicago Neighborhood Resources, the court-appointed receiver, and will be reimbursed via a receiver’s certificate (lien on the property) once approved by the court.
“This money will help cover real costs for people—especially those with health challenges,” Punjwani noted.
Tenants Organize Beyond Paxton Avenue
The Paxton tenants’ union is expanding its efforts beyond these two buildings:
- 28 additional buildings across South Shore are part of the same ownership portfolio
- A majority of tenants in occupied units across the portfolio have now joined the union
- Organizers are calling for:
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City-led repairs and inspections
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Additional relocation assistance
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Transparency on building ownership
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Collectively bargained leases
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Temporary rent suspension
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A potential public takeover of the properties to protect residents
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“South Shore has the highest eviction rate in the city. We can’t allow more mass displacement,” the tenants stated.
The union is set to announce new demands during a press conference this Monday.
Have you or someone you know experienced unsafe living conditions in South Shore or another Chicago neighborhood? Share your story in the comments—and let us know what solutions you think the city should pursue.
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