Several parents and teachers started the first day of school by holding a press conference at an abandoned building on Chicago's West Side to call for the swift and strict enforcement of a new amendment to the city's Vacant Property Ordinance. The amendment, which takes effect on September 10, requires banks to secure vacant properties in which they have a legal interest and also calls for watchmen to guard all unsecured properties near schools.

The concerned parents and teachers who held the press conference at 3336 W. Monroe say there are several properties that remain unsecured, putting the safety of neighborhood children at risk as they travel to school and back home each day.