Residents to Hold ‘Funeral for Diversity’ at Cappleman's House

Two activist organizations say if Ald. James Cappleman (46th) doesn’t show up to their meeting to discuss their hot-button issues, they’ll march to his home and hold a “funeral for diversity.”

Activist groups Organization of the Northeast and Lakeview Action Coalition say they plan to meet at the alderman’s office in Uptown Thursday at 6 p.m. in an attempt to discuss preserving affordable housing like Chateau Hotel, pulling the cubicle hotel ordinance and fighting to keep three public schools open.

“If Ald. Cappleman meets with the community on Thursday, he will have the opportunity to respond to questions about these important issues,” the groups said in a statement. “If he does not attend, ONE and LAC will hold a funeral procession mourning the loss of diversity in the 46th ward to his home on Kenmore, where the organizations will again attempt to hold a public meeting with the elected official.”

The LAC was most recently in the news when they protested outside the Chateau Hotel on March 7, garnering almost 130 comments on Patch. The single room occupancy hotel will soon undergo a gut-rehab to be transformed into market rate housing.

Cappleman could not immediately be reached for comment regarding the protest, as it was after his office hours.

Cappleman says he’s working hard with the Department of Family Support Services to work with each tenant regarding where they can move to and what benefits they’re eligible for. There are roughly 75 residents remaining in the Chateau, and the LAC says eviction court summons could begin any day.

The LAC has been repeatedly protesting the both Ald. Tom Tunney (44th) and Cappleman regarding the loss of affordable housing in Lake View and Uptown to no avail.

The group is hoping the alderman and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel agree to drop the long list of building code violations and fines if the new owner agrees to keep the Chateau open as affordable housing. 

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