Nicor will turn off gas Monday at condo complex

Nicor, Inc. said it has tried to work with Crestwood Condominiums near Des Plaines, but will turn off gas service to more than 300 units Monday.

The company issued a statement Friday saying it had been seeking a solution for nonpayment of gas bills for more than two years.

None of the remedies proposed by the company were accepted by the association, said Richard Caragol, Nicor spokesman.

Caragol also disputed the statement by Sandy Hannon, manager of the association, reported in Friday's Daily Herald, that Nicor had rescinded an offer for a workout plan after the association accepted it.

"At no time did Nicor rescind any offer," Caragol said.

Nicor's proposed solutions included payment plans, and arrangements were made that the association did not follow through on, he said. Also during court appearances Nicor made offers that were declined by the association, he said.

"It's not fair to Nicor or our paying customers to allow the association to continue receiving gas service without paying for their usage," said Caragol.

Hannon said Nicor's calculations show the development of 53 six flats owed $244,000 as of Sept. 10. She said most of the payments the complex has made since May have gone to deposits and late fees.

The community started converting to condominiums in 2003, and one-third of the units have been foreclosed, she said.

Some other owners are struggling to pay their mortgages and are not able to pay association fees.