Homewood Director Apologizes After Hot Mic Swearing

HOMEWOOD, IL — The Village of Homewood's Director of Economic and Community Development Angela Mesaros issued an apology after a hot mic on a Zoom broadcast captured her using derogatory language to describe members of the public who attended Planning and Zoning Commission meetings to determine the fate of the former Calumet Country Club property.

At the Thursday meeting, just before it was called to order, Mesaros could be heard referring to protesters — mainly members of the South Suburbs for Greenspace Over Concrete (SSGOC) — at the previously held meeting as "a**holes," adding that she is "really good at inciting violence in other people." Mesaros also seemingly told other village officials that "if this (the desk) wasn't here, if this wasn't blocking me between those a**holes in the audience last time," she may have been "able to take some of them on."

She can also be heard laughing, implying that Village Attorney Christopher Cummings would have turned a gun on the crowd of attendees last week if he had one, saying, "That's why I don't own a gun. Chris (Cummings) should not have one either."

Mesaros issued an apology on Friday, saying she takes full responsibility and is "deeply ashamed" of the comments she made.

"I have said words that were thoughtless and unkind towards members of this community. My actions showed disrespect for our residents whose voices need to be heard. My job is to help this community," Mesaros said. "I understand that I have let down our residents as well as our leaders. Any reference to violence or the use of a gun is never appropriate, and it does not reflect my love for this community I call home."

Mesaros went on to say, "As a Homewood resident, I want what is best for our community. I let my frustration with the lengthy and challenging hearing process get the best of me. For that, I am very sorry."

The director apologized to Cummings, saying it was inappropriate to include him in her "own litany of frustrations."

"I want you to know that despite my comments, I have the best interest of Homewood and its residents at heart," Mesaros said. "Moving forward I want to continue to listen and engage in meaningful dialogue with the community and to work towards what is best for Homewood."

The SSGOC said in a release: "If playing truck noises and loudly advocating for your community is intimidating to village officials, SSGOC believes that mention of guns and 'leap(ing)' over tables to physically assault residents concerned for the community is an offense worthy of being removed from one's job. Village officials are entrusted with the community's best interests and when they see the community as a**holes deserving of violence then they must be removed.

The group has since protested outside the village hall demanding the removal of the director on multiple occasions.

The commissioners are being asked to rezone property located at the northwest area of 175th Street and Dixie Highway. After the commission makes a recommendation on what to do with the property, the matter will make its way to the village board for a vote on whether to allow the possible construction of an industrial space.

Meetings have been ongoing for weeks, and a vote has yet to have been made.

Related:

Homewood Group To Stop Calumet Country Club Redevelopment | Homewood, IL Patch

Hazel Crest Opposes Calumet Country Club Industrial Park Plan | Homewood, IL Patch

Hazel Crest Mayoral Candidate Opposes Calumet Country Club Change | Homewood, IL Patch