The GOP billionaire behind the biggest political gift in U.S. history could be sued for allegedly fueling a Chicago rat infestation
Chicago officials are weighing legal action against Barre Seid, the 94-year-old industrialist behind the largest known political advocacy donation in U.S. history, over claims that workers he hires to scatter nuts in Lincoln Park are fueling a rat infestation.
Ald.
Timmy Knudsen told Axios he is pushing the Chicago Park District to sue Seid for damage to the park, while Park District officials told the publication they are still weighing their options.
In an Aug.
25 letter to Seid, Knudsen called the matter a final warning and said city staff had received photos and video documenting Seid or his staff putting out food daily for squirrels and other wildlife, according to WGN .
The letter said the feeding created a public health hazard because it drew in not only squirrels but also pigeons and rats.
Knudsen cited repeated violations of a city code provision barring the buildup of garbage or food that could feed or shelter rats, according to Block Club Chicago , and gave Seid 15 days to stop.
While the city has issued citations, it allegedly did little to end the feeding of Chicago’s wildlife.
The letter states that Streets and Sanitation has inspected the property multiple times over several years and issued multiple warnings and citations, and that the violations continued despite the fines being paid.
Seid paid all fines and tickets without contesting them, Axios reported.
“Typically, when you ticket somebody, it stops their bad behavior,” Knudsen told WGN .
He said the feeding has increased since the city began ticketing.
Neither Knudsen nor Seid responded to Fortune’s requests for comment.
Shells from Brazil nuts, hazelnuts, peanuts and walnuts were seen at the base of trees near rat burrows in the park, Axios reported.
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