FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NORTH CENTER FUNDRAISER AND ORGANIZING EVENT – FRIDAY, April 25, 2008
TIME: 6 TO 9 PM
LOCATION: O’DONOVAN’S RESTAURANT
2100 WEST IRVING PARK ROAD
SPONSORED BY: LOCAL NORTH CENTER NEIGHBORS
A party and fundraiser is planned on April 25, 2008 to celebrate neighborhood organizing and to raise funds for a neighborhood couple struggling to defend themselves against a lawsuit filed by James C. Jaeger and JCJ Developerment, Llc in May 2007.
The successful developer is pursuing a complaint filed with the Circuit Court of Cook County for Defamation. The suit alleges that statements made and opinions expressed by the neighbor on a Web Blog were libelous and that other damages were sustained in the delay in securing approval to develop the property at 1822-40 West Irving Park Road.
The complaint asks for the neighbor to pay damages in excess of $100,000, punitive damages and attorney’ fees and other costs.
This North Center couple, who had their hands full with a new born baby at the time, spent countless hours trying to help organize their neighbors to adequately express their opinions regarding the proposed up zoning of this development.
Three Community meetings were held by 47th ward Alderman Eugene Schulter regarding this project. These meetings were attended by a very large amount of local residents. As a result of these meetings, the community voted to allow the developer to change the zoning in order to build a 5-story building. The proposed site was previously only zoned for a 4-story building. The developer had originally proposed a project that was 8 stories in total. The site is now under construction.
Julie Hobert one of the organizer’s of this fundraiser and community get together states, “ We’re trying to support them as neighbors. We want to communicate to everyone that neighborhood voices are just as important as the developers.”
Julie Hobert further states, “The alderman has repeatedly stated that his vote on zoning issues reflects the community vote. If we want a say in how the 47th ward is developed, neighborhood organizing is crucial. Intimidation tactics should be discouraged. Developers can come and go, neighbors are here to stay.”
Neighbors are holding a party at O'Donovan's Restaurant 2100 West Irving Park Road from 6-9 PM Friday the 25th of April, 2008 to help support this couple and to promote local grass roots organizing. Please come and show your support for our neighbors and the spirit of organizing. For more information, please call Julie Hobert at 773-497-2872 or email juliehobert@mac.com.
More information is available at WWW.SUPPORTYOUR NEIGHBOR.INFO
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