Riverside resident Robert Golba faces fines totaling $412,000 for failing to comply with a court’s orders to remediate several health, fire safety and building code violations at his property a year after the village declared Golba’s property a “chronic nuisance.”
He is set to appear before the Circuit Court of Cook County at the end of this month for an initial eviction.
In September, he entered a stipulation agreement with the village requiring him to address code violations and prohibiting any visitors at his property, actions previously mandated by the court. The no-visitors order, which had been extended until May 2024, was extended a second time to Aug. 29, 2024. With this order, all individuals other than Golba are barred from the property. Caregivers or licensed contractors are exempt from the order, however Golba must notify the Riverside Police Department prior to their visit.
For years, the village has attempted for Golba to remedy village code violations and prevent unauthorized dwellers and visitors at the Millbridge Road property. Before taking the case to court, the police department received more than 100 phone calls reporting disturbances in the property, according to village documents. Calls include reports for domestic battery, sale of narcotics, noise violations, disorderly conduct, intoxication and animal disturbances, including an instance when pit bull dogs roamed unleashed into neighboring yards. Last May, a Cook County Circuit Court judge warned Golba increased fines could be ordered if he failed to comply with the court’s orders. According to court documents, Golba allowed unauthorized visitors at least twice this summer.
Golba previously told this publication he allowed other people to stay at the 100-year-old home as a way to help them. Golba said he allowed them to stay because he needs help as he deals with health issues. Yet he has also accused some of those living in the house of stealing money and his possessions and has sustained injuries from violent incidents taking place at the house.
Director of Public Safety Matthew Buckley told the Landmark the village hopes the agreement will be an incentive for Golba to recognize he needs help. The village hopes Golba will consider alternatives where his safety and health are prioritized, such as assisted-living facilities, while recognizing he is unable to keep up with the home’s maintenance.
Golba was granted a period of six months, until March next year, to remediate all the code violations on his property. If achieved, the court will waive $412,000 and he will be subject to fines of $50,000.
