CHICAGO (CBS) — Without warning a light pole came crashing down on a busy street near Navy Pier during rush hour, and dogs may be partially to blame.
It’s been a recurring problem in Chicago.
For years now CBS 2 Investigator Dave Savini has covered the dangers of falling light poles in Chicago finding thousands of complaints including the result of winter weather, salt, age and neglect.
In dog-friendly Streeterville there’s likely another culprit: dogs urinating on the poles.
“Urine is a very caustic solution, so that will accelerate corrosion but also wet weather combined with salt from the winters, that will also accelerate corrosion,” Tin said.
Tin said Chicago’s light poles have to be inspected and maintained at least once a year.
No no no, do not put this one on the dogs CBS and Denise Ferrari who looked out of her high rise and reported this falling pole. I will not stand for dogs being to blame for shoddy work of old light poles that have survived YEARS of brutal Chicago winters. Maybe give the dogs a bit more grass and parks to do their business and they won't have to resort to peeing on light poles. Figure it out, Chicago. Leave the dogs out of it. Also, THOUSANDS of complaints?! Hey Chicago, does anyone actually work in your public works department? Seems like a pretty serious issue that literally no one is paying attention to. So many people to blame for this but the canines aren't one of them. Fix it. - @Traceahamilton