Dangerous Fairview Homes Get Demolition Approval

JOLIET, IL - The Housing Authority of Joliet issued a press release on Tuesday afternoon announcing that it received formal approval this week from HUD to demolish the Fairview Homes property and leave the land vacant and undeveloped. “This is great news and long overdue. I thank the Housing Authority of Joliet and Michael Simelton for all of their hard work,” said Joliet Mayor Bob O’Dekirk said in the press release.

Simelton added that “The timing of this approval is ironic in that we are celebrating Independence Day and the residents we serve will be provided assistance that will allow them a higher level of independence and improved quality of life.”

According to the press release, demolition activity will begin approximately November, 2018. Afterward, the land will be left vacant.

"During this period of transition, local area residents will notice a vast difference in the look and feel of the property. You are encouraged to periodically check our website at www.hajoliet.org for updated news and photos of the property as it undergoes demolition."

The Joliet Housing Authority also emphasized that as part of the demolition process "it provided each resident household with a housing choice voucher and unlimited access to on-site mobility and relocation counselors brought on specifically to assist each household in identifying and overcoming barriers to household relocation ... The Housing Authority of Joliet continues to remain committed to providing affordable housing options to residents within the City of Joliet and Will County community and slowly but surely, we remain committed to developing communities of choice and opportunity, one brick at a time."

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File image via John Ferak/Joliet Patch Editor