FROM COOK COUNTY GOVERNMENT
The Cook County Bureau of Asset Management is pleased to share information about the demolition at the Oak Forest Campus, located at 159th St. and Cicero Ave. in Oak Forest. Ongoing monthly newsletters will feature project updates and items of interest. For additional information about the demolition [or to subscribe to the newsletter], go to www.cookcountyil.gov/oakforest.
This month’s newsletter features questions and answers on topics raised by the public at the recent community meeting and through email.
Progress continues on abatement of the first buildings slated for demolition, as well as demolition of the medical residence structure.
Q: Will the church on the property be demolished?
A: The County is committed to preserving the Sacred Heart chapel on the campus. Structures slated for demolition that surround the chapel will be carefully removed to maintain the integrity of the chapel. The County also intends to preserve other structures and religious architectural elements.
Q: What is the County doing to protect trees on the campus?
A: The County project team conducted a survey of all trees on the property and identified those that are dead or in poor, below average or average condition, as well as trees that are healthy. The survey team concluded 30-35 trees require removal to enable demolition of specific buildings and for safety reasons.
Q: How often is air quality monitoring?
A: Monitoring of air quality is ongoing whenever, and wherever, demolition takes place. Daily readings are provided in a weekly summary and data is posted on the project website. In the unlikely event air quality becomes a concern, the project will be suspended until the issue is resolved.
Q: How is the County helping control rats?
A: Rodent control for the project includes the placement of up to 150 exterior rodent bait stations, which are installed around the perimeter of each building and other areas. Throughout demolition, rodent control professionals will conduct regular inspections, replenish bait and treat burrows. Regular assessments will be conducted to evaluate the program’s effectiveness, ensuring compliance with local regulations and best practices.
Q: I understand the campus includes a cemetery and also artifacts from indigenous peoples who lived on and near the property hundreds of years ago. Will the demolition disturb these areas?
A: Demolition was planned to avoid activity in these areas. Further, the County has developed protocols in the unlikely event any human remains or cultural artifacts are discovered. The protocols ensure legal compliance, respect for the deceased and sensitivity to cultural heritage.
PHOTO: The medical residence during demolition on Oak Forest Campus. Note the orange water canon in the left of the photo. Water sprays and mist minimize dust to ensure air quality, which is continuously monitored.
Photo credit: Bulley & Andrews