Community Meet-up and Rally at Homewood Village Hall: Third Event in Three Days Organized by SSGOC
HOMEWOOD, Ill. - February 27, 2021 —South Suburbs for Greenspace Over Concrete (SSGOC) has organized a peaceful community rally outside Homewood Village Hall Sunday, February 28, 2021 from 1-3 p.m. The rally is the third event in as many days in response to a “hot mic” audio captured on Zoom before a public hearing on rezoning the property formerly known as Calumet Country Club the Planning and Zoning Commission.
SSGOC is organizing the event to show that the community is united against this rezoning of greenspace and united in calling for the removal of the economic development director Angela Mesaros and Napoleon Haney, assistant village manager, who are both featured in the recording. SSGOC is calling for an immediate halt and investigation of the settlement made between Diversified Partners, LLC and the village of Homewood because the redevelopment of the property formerly known as Calumet Country Club has been an economic development that Mesaros spearheaded.
In the recording Mesaros tells other village officials, including Haney, that “if this (the desk) wasn’t here, if this wasn’t blocking me between those assholes in the audience last time…” Going on to say that she “might be able to take some of them on.” She noted that perpetrating violence isn’t her strong suit, but she’s “really good at inciting violence in other people.” Haney, assistant village manager in Homewood, said, “You’re not going to sit out there and intimidate staff,” criticizing SSGOC’s “Hear Our Voices” rally held outside of Homewood Village Hall on Tuesday, February 25, 2021. Haney is also recorded as saying that he can send police officers through potential demonstrators to intimidate them on Mesaros’ cue.
If playing truck noises and loudly advocating for your community is intimidating to village officials, SSGOC believes that mention of guns and “leap(ing)” over tables to physically assault residents concerned for the community and using police officers as political tools are offenses worthy of being removed from one’s job. Village officials should put community first.
Masks are required at this rally, and attendees are encouraged to bring signs.
About South Suburbs for Greenspace over Concrete
A multi-racial group of concerned residents of Homewood, Hazel Crest, East Hazel Crest, Flossmoor, Chicago Heights, South Holland and Glenwood formed in opposition to Diversified Partner LLC’s planned development of Calumet Country Club (2136 175th St, Homewood, IL 60430) into a fulfillment/trucking hub. The group is a campaign of SAFE.
About Illinois Southland Against Fossil Energy
Illinois Southland Against Fossil Energy was founded in response to the proposed gas-burning power plant in Glenwood. SAFE is building an inclusive, multi-racial coalition that believes the Southland needs and deserves a clean environment, clean government, healthy people, and a healthy economy.