La Grange May Sue Over Downtown Building

LA GRANGE, IL — A top official in the La Grange village government on Wednesday declined to talk about code issues involving a downtown building.

In a brief interview, Charity Jones, the village's community development director, said she could not discuss the matter because of the possibility of litigation.

"The village cannot comment to the press at this time," Jones said.

According to public records, the village has raised the possibility before that it may sue the owners of the building at 715 W. Hillgrove Ave. over alleged violations of the property maintenance code.

Over the last year and a half, the village has repeatedly contacted owners Cecilia and Michael Heiges, who live in La Grange, about the building's problems. But the village has not filed litigation in the matter, according to records obtained by Patch through a public records request.

Asked how often the village files lawsuits under its property maintenance code, Jones declined to comment. Patch submitted a public records request for documents showing the last time the village filed such litigation.

Jones called Patch on Wednesday after a story appeared about the building.

Patch had left messages for Curt Trusner, the village's environmental health officer, before publishing the story. Jones said she was calling as Trusner's supervisor.

The building is the home of Vision Fitness, which is on the first floor. It is an optometrist's office where Cecilia Heiges used to work before recently retiring.

According to village records, the code issues are in the basement and one of the two upstairs apartments. Among the problems are moldy surfaces, the documents state. One of the tenants has complained.

This week, Bernard Martin, attorney for the Heigeses, said his clients have addressed all the issues to the best of their ability. But he said they have been restricted in their access to the apartment.

"This has been pending a long time. This needs to be resolved between the parties," Martin said.