Realtor worries Chicago-area homeowners with letter

A Chicago Realtor scared a group of of homeowners with a letter that stated that they may need to relocate because of a planned airport expansion project, the Southwest News-Herald reported.

The letter, signed by Martin Barboza of Century 21 Blair James Realty, stated, "I am very sorry to hear about the government's decision regarding your property ... The reason why I am sorry is for the simple reason that there is a good chance of you needing to relocate due to the Midway Airport Expansion," according to the report.

Barboza also reportedly stated in the letter that he could help them to get fair market value for their properties and to help them find new homes.

The managing deputy commissioner of Midway International Airport sent out letters to rebut Barboza's letter, the News-Herald also reported. The commissioner stated that the Realtor's letter was a "sales pitch" and a "deeply offensive and irresponsible scare tactic." The commissioner also stated, "It is not realistic to attempt to address the issue of runway lengths at Midway by acquiring property to expand the airport's footprint."

The city of Chicago's Law Department reportedly sent a cease and desist order to Blair James Realty, "accusing the company of violating the Illinois Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Practices Act, the Uniform Deceptive Trade Act, the Illinois Real Estate License Act and two Chicago municipal codes," according to the report.

Letters were reportedly sent to about 305 homes.

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