Coalition to Protest 2016 Bid Wednesday

A coalition of community groups, angry over the city's failure to address what they called a "community benefits ordinance" for the games, say they are being left with little choice, but to stage noisy and embarrassing demonstrations when the International Olympic Committee sends an inspection team to the city in two weeks.

The group says it will appear at Wednesday's City Council meeting, to protest the failure of the council Finance Committee to act on the proposed ordinance this week.

Backers of the ordinance had demanded that 30 percent of the proposed Olympic Village be converted to affordable housing after the games, and that 50 percent of contracts be set aside for minority and women-owned companies.

"If we do not have a legally binding document that reflects the hard work of our communities over this past year, then we will be in the streets," said spokesman Denise Dixon, in remarks prepared for tomorrow's council demonstration.

"We cannot trust that outside interests will produce reccomendations or standards that reflect the needs of our communities," Dixon said.

Organizers of the coalition, known as Communities for an Equitable Olympics, say they fear displacement and gentrification in neighborhoods which will be the sites of proposed Olympic venues.

Chicago 2016 officials have long maintained that no residents would be displaced from their homes if Chicago wins the 2016 games.

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