Prolonged AC failures at Park Forest apartments raise condemnation worries as extreme heat continues

PARK FOREST, Ill. (WLS) -- A long-standing failure of the air conditioning system at the Autumn Ridge Apartments is once again leaving residents without relief during a dangerous heatwave, prompting concerns that ongoing maintenance issues could ultimately lead to the property being condemned.

Residents say the problem has persisted for years, including throughout last summer, when many also went without air conditioning. Now, as temperatures rise again, conditions inside some units have become increasingly difficult to endure.

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"It's pretty warm," said resident Nicole Scott-Johnson.

Scott-Johnson said the heat inside her apartment reflects the rising temperatures outdoors, saying, "the thermostat, it rises."

Though air moves through the system, she said it provides no relief, adding, "it's blowing, but there is no air."

Scott-Johnson, who has lived at the complex for six years, said a small fan is currently her only source of cooling.

She described the situation as "just a whole hot mess" and added, "we want some help over here."

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The recurring issue has drawn attention from village officials. According to Park Forest Village Manager Jon Kindseth, the municipality was notified by the court-appointed receiver for the property that the air conditioning system is again not functioning.

Kindseth said the aging infrastructure is a major challenge.

"The challenge there is that they are old chiller units. So old that it takes a while to get the parts," he said.

He added that extreme heat has further strained the system.

"The temperatures being as high as they are putting a lot of strain on the mechanical equipment, and ultimately, it just couldn't keep up," he said.

The property has already faced serious consequences from unresolved maintenance problems. One of the four buildings at Autumn Ridge has been condemned by the village.

Additional issues remain, including roof leaks observed in some units and hallways. Officials say those problems, combined with the ongoing lack of air conditioning, could lead to further action.

"Our next course of action is condemnation," Kindseth said.

Any decision to condemn additional buildings may take time as repair efforts continue, and village officials said no timeline has been provided for when the air conditioning system might be restored.

In the meantime, the village is urging residents to seek relief at designated cooling locations, including a community center on the property, as well as nearby facilities such as the police department and village hall.

For residents like Scott-Johnson, the uncertainty remains difficult as they navigate another summer without consistent air conditioning.