Southland Candidates to Voice Opposition to Trucking Hub at Forum Hosted by South Suburbs for Greenspace Over Concrete
HOMEWOOD, Ill. – March 6, 2021 —South Suburbs for Greenspace over Concrete (SSGOC) hosted a candidate forum March 6, 2021 at La Voute Bistro and Bar’s patio at 2034 Ridge Road in Homewood. Incumbents and challengers from the Southland voiced their support of the Homewood Planning and Zoning Commission’s unanimous vote against recommending the rezoning of the former Calumet Country Club into a trucking hub and showed that the Southland is united against this potential development.
Hazel Crest Mayoral Challenger Marcia Hollis-Bratcher, said, “Hazel Crest and Homewood must work together to make this space something that will work for all both of our communities. This is a beautiful space and should be used for the good of our communities not to their detriment.”
Bloom Township Supervisor candidate Dr. Octavia Altheimer, who worked with IL-SAFE to stop the Glenwood power plant project, participated in the forum, saying “We’ve done this before!” Incumbent Highway Commissioner Joe Stanfa from Bloom also spoke against the proposed development, suggesting making the property into a youth golf learning center.
Dr. Nakia Hall is running for Prairie State College Board of Trustees and voiced her opposition to the development at the event.
Michelle Nelson, who is running for mayor in Flossmoor, thanked the Planning and Zoning Commission for its “service to Homewood and (by default) neighboring towns. (Its) unanimous decision to deny re-zoning of Calumet Country Club is a testament to (its) concern and care for Southland communities.”
Flossmoor trustee candidate Gary Daggett also spoke at the event, declaring that the proposed development isn’t in the “best interest of Homewood, Flossmoor or any other surrounding community.” He continued, “One of the things that makes Homewood and Flossmoor so amazing is our green spaces and open lands.” Daggett said economic development is important but not when it comes at the expense of “our environment, safety and well-being.”
Annette Ripani Bannon, incumbent candidate for District 233 School Board and lifelong Homewood resident, said, “It’s imperative for the future of our communities that we ALL care about the impact ‘concrete over grass’ will have on our towns. If we want our community to continue attracting families that come here for an excellent education, we have to first prioritize our environment.”
Cynthia Turnquist, a challenger for the school board in District 233, expressed her support for the community’s efforts to stop this development, saying “I’m so proud of our community and the power of what can be achieved when we come together.”
Michelle Hoereth and Steve Anderson both school board candidates for District 233 spoke against the event.
Incumbent Mayor Vernard Alsberry and Trustee Marlon Rias from Hazel Crest, were invited to speak, but had prior commitments. Both officials said via Email that the Hazel Crest Board of Trustees will “continue to oppose the trucking distribution center.”
After the candidates finished, balloon animals were made for children, and families showed their support by chalking sidewalks. Liz Varmecky of SSGOC said, “We focus on making events fun and enriching for the entire family; the preservation of greenspace and protection of our communities is a family issue, and we love to see families from all over the Southland come out.”
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.