Seid Faces Lawsuit Over Alleged Rat Infestation in Lincoln Park

Chicago officials are considering a lawsuit against Barre Seid, a 94-year-old industrialist who made the largest known political advocacy donation in US history, over allegations that his actions are causing a rat infestation in Lincoln Park.

Alderman Timmy Knudsen is pushing for the Chicago Park District to take action against Seid, citing concerns about the damage to the park. According to an August 25 letter from Knudsen to Seid, city staff have documented photos and video showing Seid or his employees feeding squirrels and other wildlife daily.

The feeding has created a public health hazard, as it attracts not only squirrels but also pigeons and rats, according to the letter. Knudsen pointed out that this is in violation of a city code provision that prohibits the buildup of garbage or food that can feed or shelter rats.

Despite receiving multiple warnings and citations from Streets and Sanitation over several years, Seid allegedly continued to feed Chicago's wildlife without stopping. According to reports, he even paid all fines and tickets issued without contesting them.

The issue has been ongoing for years, with city staff inspecting the property multiple times and issuing repeated warnings and citations. Now, officials are weighing their options as they consider taking legal action against Seid.

The ongoing saga of alleged rat infestation in a Chicago park has taken another turn, with officials weighing their options for taking action against those they suspect are fueling the problem.

Reports suggest that shells from various types of nuts have been found at the base of trees near rat burrows in the park. According to eyewitness accounts, these nut shells appear to be concentrated where the rodents have made their homes. This has led some to speculate about the possible link between the presence of nuts and the proliferation of rats.

Neighborhood residents have long complained about the presence of rats in the area, and it seems that one property owner may be contributing to the issue. Sources close to the matter claim that a local resident has been hiring individuals to distribute bags of nuts throughout the park on a regular basis. This practice is believed to have started early this spring.

The impact of these actions could have far-reaching consequences for taxpayers in Chicago, with city officials warning that they may need to foot the bill for costly repairs to damaged properties. This is not an isolated incident, as the city has struggled with rat infestations for years, consistently ranking at or near the top of Orkin's list of America's rattiest cities.

The individual behind these alleged actions has a significant financial stake in Chicago, having made his fortune as the owner of Tripp Lite, a company that was recently sold to Eaton for $1.65 billion. This sale is particularly noteworthy given the tax implications, with experts suggesting that the seller may have avoided paying as much as $400 million in taxes through a complex corporate structure.

The tax records obtained by investigators reveal that Seid donated at least $775 million to nonprofits between 1996 and 2018, with nearly all of these contributions remaining anonymous.

Seid's preference for anonymity is well-documented, as evident from an email where he described himself as prone to "anonymity paranoia". This anxiety about being recognized has led him to use pseudonyms in various business dealings, including a fake name, Ebert or Elbert Howell, which was used by Tripp Lite staff on salesmen and business registries.

Chicago's rat infestation problem is nothing new, having topped Orkin's list of America's rattiest cities every year since the list began, with 2024 marking its tenth consecutive year at the top spot.