Tensions flared at a Harvey, Illinois, city council meeting on May 12, as Mayor Christopher Clark ordered the room cleared just 20 minutes into the session. He cited disruptions from residents and supporters of Alderperson Colby Chapman.
The confrontation underscored growing resident unrest over several issues they face with the southern Chicago suburb’s administration.
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Arrests and accusations
Chapman, representing Harvey’s 2nd Ward, has become a central figure in the city’s political turmoil.
She was arrested during an April 28 council meeting — the second such incident — after attempting to raise concerns about a resident’s property being sold. Video footage shows her being physically removed by police.
Chapman contends she was merely advocating for a constituent.
When asked why she didn’t stay silent and just leave, she told FOX 32, "In that moment, I gathered my things, and that’s exactly what I was looking to do. But when three male officers approached me as a female, as I’m trying to gather my things, I think that would startle any person, whether it be man or woman, because there’s this abrasive approach to asking me to leave, and I simply was leaving.
But the further point is, is all of that insinuated simply because I was being a voice for Ms. Allen?"
Chapman’s April arrest was for resisting arrest and disorderly conduct. Her mother was charged with the same. However, Chapman denies any physical altercation and explained, "I did not hit an officer (or) push an officer on my way out of the council. Nobody should have to ingest physical behavior simply for inquiry, and unfortunately, I digested that.”
Residents at the May 12 meeting voiced frustrations over rising water bills, lack of city spending transparency and perceived public input suppression.
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One attendee said, "They don’t want you to speak up with the injustice that’s happening in the Black community. They’re displacing us out of our communities. They’re taking our homes."
Chapman’s next court appearance is scheduled for June 4. She and her supporters continue to call for a federal investigation into the city’s practices, alleging systemic issues affecting the community’s well-being.
Soaring property taxes and affordability
Aside from the issues the residents cited recently, they are also grappling with some of the highest property tax rates in Illinois and even the U.S.
According to the Civic Federation, Harvey’s estimated effective residential property tax rate was 4.74% in 2022, the highest among 11 selected suburban municipalities in Cook County.
Another source shows Harvey’s rate reaching nearly 7%, mainly due to declining property values along with stagnant or increasing levies.
These burdens are compounded by a shrinking tax base. A report by the Illinois Policy Institute noted that from 2007 to 2016, Harvey’s property tax rates nearly doubled as residents left the area, exacerbating the financial strain on those who remained.
This financial pressure has led some households to make difficult choices in their budgets, such as delaying medical care or utility payments, to meet their tax obligations.
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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
