City Forces Closure Of Wicker Park Jewish Center Over Hazardous Conditions

CHICAGO, IL -- The city has forced the Bucktown Wicker Park Chabad Jewish Center's Living Room to close after inspectors found it to be under breach of building code violations. The center--located at 1630-1632 N. Milwaukee Ave.--was ordered closed on Oct.2. Inspectors reportedly found leaking sewer gas, an open elevator shaft, and exposed electrical wires in the building.

According to DNAinfo, the center's director Rabbi Yosef Moscowitz said Wednesday that the center is working to resolve the issues. Moscowitz--who is also the executive director of Lubavitch Chabad of Illinois--said "there's been an outpouring of support from the community."

"We are in the midst of celebrating the Holiday of Sukkot when we live in 'temporary dwellings' and are commanded to be joyous. So as we double down in celebration and sharing joy with others, we are so grateful to our incredible community who is standing firmly by our side," Moscowitz said. (For more local news, subscribe to free email news alerts and a daily newsletter for your hometown Patch.)

The rabbi explained that the open elevator shaft was left in such a state because of a dispute with a general contractor who had cut a hole and left it. Moscowitz said the building was a "disaster" before his group moved in.

Since the building was closed, services and events have been held up the street in the former Enterprise office at 1646 N. Milwaukee Ave.

A court hearing to go over the violations has been scheduled for Oct. 19 in the Richard J. Daley Center.

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