Community advocates call for environmental health assessment for South Chicago Chapel
CHICAGO (WLS) -- Community organizers plan to arrive at City Hall Wednesday to call for an environmental health assessment of the South Chicago Chapel.
In a three-page letter obtained by ABC7, they write that the conditions there "raise serious concerns" about whether visitors and grieving families were exposed to "contaminated airborne particles" or other hazards.
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The funeral home is the site of more than 50 decomposing bodies that investigators found early last month.
City officials said bodies were improperly stored, leaving families to endure ongoing grief.
The city is now also suing over the chapel's conditions. urging a judge to fine the owners thousands of dollars per day until building violations are corrected.
Family members who lost loved ones say they want more accountability.
"Step in the right direction of accountability is jail. A fine is nothing. They got fined last year. That didn't help. They came back and did the same thing," said Marshawna Campbell, whose mother was cremated.
SEE ALSO | Investigation continues after decomposing bodies found at Chicago funeral home | LIVE Updates
Now, the state's own records cite "deplorable conditions including (a) rodent infestation" inside the funeral home.
The community organizers said they want to know more about that infestation.
They're calling for a comprehensive investigation making 15 demands, including full testing of the HVAC system and then a written report explaining whether the building is safe to enter.
South Chicago Chapel is shut down, but the organizers call this request an urgent public health concern. They're asking for written confirmation from leaders here at City Hall.
