FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 7, 2007
Contact: David Valkema, chicago@logcabin.org

LOG CABIN REPUBLICANS-CHICAGO SUPPORT LINCOLN SQUARE PROPERTY OWNERS 

"The City's abuse of TIF districts and eminent domain not only threatens small businesses in Lincoln Square, but throughout Chicago," said David Valkema.

CHICAGO--Log Cabin Republicans of Illinois, Chicago Caucus today announced its opposition to the use of eminent domain in the proposed Western Avenue North TIF District. If the City Council approves the formation of the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district, it can then force the sale of 16 lots of private property, which will displace 36 thriving small businesses.

"The properties located within the proposed TIF district aren't blighted, nor are they a threat to public health. There is no legitimate reason for the City of Chicago to seize private property in Lincoln Square," said Log Cabin-Illinois president David Valkema.

On Wednesday evening, 300 residents of Lincoln Square gathered at Chicago Soccer--one of the threatened businesses--to discuss what they could do to stop the City's plans. Following the meeting, they marched to 47th Ward Adlerman Gene Schulter's office to voice their opposition to eminent domain abuse, and to ask him to "Save Lincoln Square."

"The right to own property without government interference is one of the most basic human rights protected by the U.S. Constitution," said Log Cabin-Illinois board member Richard Lorenc. "The government has the power to pay property owners just compensation when their land is needed for a public project, such as a highway or school, but the Lincoln Square TIF is meant to benefit private developers alone. Any way you cut it, something fishy is going on here."

The City Council plans to vote this coming Wednesday (December 12th) on whether to create the TIF district. Log Cabin Republicans asks you to contact your alderman and express your opposition to the plan by that time. You may find contact information for your alderman and Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley at www.cityofchicago.org. You can also learn more about the effort to save Lincoln Square at www.savelincolnsquare.com.

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The Log Cabin Republicans, Chicago Caucus are a division of the Log Cabin Republicans of Illinois, a state chapter of the national organization. Its mission is to advance issues of interest for LGBT Americans and make their voices heard within the Republican Party.