Move to clean up Elgin in motion

What a difference two weeks makes.

On July 9, about 20 members of the Near West Neighbors Association pleaded with the Elgin City Council to crack down on drug dealing, gangs and hookers in their neighborhood.

Wednesday, city council members endorsed a new law to impound the vehicles of prostitutes and johns alike, publish their names and photos, strengthen loitering laws and declare properties a nuisance.

"This is an indication that we take things seriously and take immediate action," said Councilman Juan Figueroa.

Prostitution is illegal under Illinois law; Elgin's new law would supplement the state's penalties.

If approved Aug. 13, prostitutes and johns must pay $1,000 to get their cars back. They also are subject to fines of up to $1,500.

"This is fast. The council wanted us to act," said Bob Beeter, Elgin deputy police chief. "The seizure and impoundment of the vehicle will be a huge deterrent. It hits home. It's an immediate impact."

Councilman John Walters said the city has used nuisance laws to squash gang hide-outs and drug houses, so it was natural to apply that to where pimps operate.

He also believes the fines and threat of bad publicity for johns will help solve the problem.

"We'll put the fear of God into some people if we're going to publish the names of people going into that neighborhood for that purpose," Walters said. "It is not a slap on the wrist anymore. It's a substantial fine they have to pay."

Police also have reassigned an officer to the area and beefed up patrols around the intersection of Chicago and State streets.

Chuck Keysor, president of the Near West Neighbors Association, said he was pleased with the proposed law and response from the city and police in the last two weeks.

Bill Cogley, the city's corporation counsel, said the law would take effect 10 days after a favorable council vote.