Nearly 300 Cars Towed In Ravenswood Sunday Morning
Residents on some streets in Chicago’s northside Ravenswood neighborhood awoke Sunday morning to find their cars missing.
Then, they got the pleasure of spending their Sunday morning standing in line with their neighbors at the auto pound for up to several hours. The highlight of their experience was the chance to fork out $160 bucks.
According to WLS-TV, nearly 300 cars got towed early Sunday morning because the annual Ravenswood Run 5K was happening Sunday morning and allegedly, residents were alerted well in advance and signs were posted warning vehicle owners.
But residents are complaining that on some streets signs were not posted or were torn down and therefore, they were ignorant that they had to move their vehicles.
The sheer number of cars being towed should indicate that something went wrong.
47th ward Ald. Eugene Schulter seems upset too according to the report. He was told that cars would NOT be towed and is calling for an investigation.
Here’s the story on the Ravenswood Sunday Morning Massacre:
Ravenswood residents angry over towed cars
I would advise anyone who got their car towed to go back to the pound and request a hearing. With media coverage like this, along with the help of Ald. Schulter, you should be able to beat the tow and get your money back.
You will have to fill out a form at the auto pound and select a date for your hearing. But it’s relatively painless. Make sure you don’t stand in the main line. Since you are requesting a hearing, you should be able to bypass the main line to talk to a manager about this.
Once you get your hearing, you’ll talk to an attorney from the city. He may just throw it out based on all the media coverage and not try to fight you before the hearing officer.
If he decides to proceed with the hearing, just make your case to the hearing officer. Explain how there were no warning signs. Bring photos of the street showing there were no signs.
Stop by the alderman’s office and ask them to write you a letter on your behalf. This will carry some weight.
Bring in copies of the news story to your hearing.
If possible, bring witnesses along to testify there were no signs, etc.
I would be utterly shocked if everyone involved in this didn’t get a full refund.
This should be a grand slam easy win.
It takes about 6-8 weeks to get your refund check.
This is the reply by our alderman:
April 29, 2008
Dear 47th Ward Residents,
I have heard from many of your neighbors who woke on April 27, 2008 to find their cars towed due to the 12th Annual Ravenswood Run. On the morning of April 27, nearly 300 cars parked along the race track were impounded. In response to these concerns, I have spoken directly to the race organizers, All Saint Episcopal Church and Fleet Feet Sports. In addition, I have also spoken to officials from the Mayor’s Office of Special Events and the Chicago Police Department. Reverend Bonnie Perry, the Pastor of All Saints Episcopal Church, has provided me with a letter detailing all of the efforts made by the race organizers to effectively communicate both parking restrictions and alternative parking options to the community. I am satisfied that these efforts, along with the email notices provided by my office, were adequate.
The Ravenswood Run is an incredibly beneficial event in our community that raises funds not only for the Ravenswood Community Services Food Pantry but also the Student Health Centers at both Lakeview and Amundsen High Schools. In addition, the event currently draws thousands into our neighborhood and into stores and restaurants surrounding the course.
Attached you will find a copy of the letter provided to me by Reverend Perry. Should you have any further questions, please feel free to call my office at 773-348-8400.
Thanks and best wishes,
Gene Schulter
Alderman, 47th Ward
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