Chicago City Council to take up cooling ordinance after heat deaths

The adjustments within the ordinance embrace necessities that senior residing facilities and large-scale condo buildings should have widespread areas which are air-conditioned, and ensures landlords perceive warmth shouldn’t be required throughout scorching spring or fall days.

The necessities additionally name for these air conditioners to get turned on when the warmth index exceeds 80 levels.

“The residents name, and the constructing says they cannot activate the AC but as a result of it is not June 1st; we’re immediately addressing that downside,” mentioned Alderman Maria Hadden, who launched the ordinance.

Whereas the cooling ordinance handed the committee, aldermen are nonetheless discussing necessities about warmth throughout spring and fall.

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The ordinance was launched after three ladies have been discovered useless of their residences at a Rogers Park senior residing facility amid hovering temperatures final month.

The ordinance requires landlords to fulfill the necessities instantly with momentary gear, and everlasting gear should be put in by Could 1, 2024.

Hadden mentioned it isn’t a punishment for constructing house owners, however relatively language laid out higher to assist each residents and landlords.

The ordinance goes to the total Metropolis Council for a vote Wednesday.