The town of Cicero stepped in Friday after 21 residents, including 12 children, were displaced from their home because of bursting water pipes amid a foreclosure battle.
Ahead of the coldest morning of the year, several frozen pipes burst Thursday night in the building in the 5100 block of 30th Street, causing the electricity to short out. For the past year, the residents have been caught in foreclosure proceedings between the building's owner and the city.
The owner, who city officials said couldn't be found Friday, is accused of owing thousands in water bills to the city.
The town of Cicero paid for hotel rooms for the displaced families. Because of the foreclosure, it's not clear who will pay for repairs in the building.
One thing's for sure. The residents can't go home right now.
A community service car blocked the building, which has been closed by the town. The fire department said the building is currently a safety hazard for residents.
