A security system with cameras, sirens and strobe lights — along with periodic checks by a guard — may be part of the latest effort to prevent squatters, shootings and fires at the former Ramada Inn in Waukegan, which was abandoned by its former owners in 2018.
Left fully furnished, including beds, Mayor Ann Taylor said in November the hotel has become a haven for squatters and drug dealers. After two men were shot and killed there on Oct. 27, the city filed suit Nov. 3 seeking demolition of the hotel complex.
Property owner M.A.S.S. Holdings then took remedial measures, including the installation of a six-foot-tall perimeter fence and boarding up windows, to keep people out as it sought a buyer. After a fire on May 1, Lake County Court Judge Daniel Jasica lost patience and demanded that more be done to address the situation.
Jasica gave M.A.S.S. one more day to formalize its security plan Tuesday in Lake County Court, indicating he was leaning toward a combination of a sophisticated electronic security system supplemented by unarmed security guards making frequent visits to the property.
Anthony Ochs, one of the attorneys for M.A.S.S, said in court Friday he anticipated a letter of intent from a prospective purchaser by the end of the day. He also said the company would undertake demolition if the proposal was not forthcoming.
During the city’s request for immediate demolition of the buildings, or at least significantly improved security Friday, Jasica said he wants a resolution by May 20. He reiterated the May 20 deadline on Tuesday.
Ochs said Tuesday a letter of intent was received from a potential purchaser Friday. The entity now has 45 days to perform its due diligence to determine if it wants to finalize a sale. Jasica asked if it was a legally binding contract. Ochs said it was not.
Offering an alternative to 24-hour security Tuesday, Ochs said M.A.S.S. was prepared to install a security system with a trailer, sufficient cameras to provide a 360-degree view of the property’s perimeter and an immediate notification in the event of a breach.
“If anyone enters one of the buildings, sirens will go off and strobe lights will flash,” he said. “If the cameras are activated, the Waukegan Police Department will be immediately notified.”
Marcus Martinez, an attorney with Waukegan corporation counsel Elrod Friedman, said Tuesday the city was willing to accept the security system, but it wants armed guards patrolling the premises as well.
“We don’t want it to be left to the police,” he said. “We prefer there be an armed security guard. The city may not have the resources if police are on another call. There needs to be armed security there.”
Martinez said even with a security system in place, armed guards need to make several passes through the five-building complex on a regular basis. Jasica said he is leaning toward a combination of electronic surveillance and security personnel.
“If you add the two together, people will hear the sirens and there will be a physical presence on the property every half-hour or so,” the judge said. “I am looking to have this all in place by May 20.”
After the city initiated its lawsuit to demolish the building in November, M.A.S.S. erected the fence but people continued to find ways to enter the building and camp there, authorities said.
Waukegan fire officials said they believe the May 1 fire was intentionally set.
Deputy Fire Chief Brett Stickles said the fence has not been an effective deterrent to squatters.
“They climb over the fence and pry the boards off the windows,” he said. “They’re getting in through air conditioning ducts. It’s been happening continually.”
