Letter To The Editor: A Clear Conflict of Interest

Google Map image submitted by Jack Bower

Thank you for covering the property the Village acquired for parking last summer.

I live across the street from the leveled lot at 1612 North 77th Avenue and spoke in opposition to the proposed parking lot at the public hearing.

After the Plan, Zoning, and Development Commission approved the lot on July 21, I learned that Mr. Gabe Caporale, a voting member of the Commission, controls the commercial property housing five of the six businesses in closest proximity to the proposed parking lot: Armand’s, Tiny Tap, his own real estate office, the dental practice of Dr. Angelo D. Rainone, and Chiara Salon.

Cook County property records show that the building at 7642–7650 W. North Avenue is owned by 7646 Enterprises, Inc., a corporation Mr. Caporale created in November 2010 when he transferred the property into it shortly thereafter. Illinois Secretary of State filings list him as the corporation’s president and secretary, and Cook County tax records show that the property tax bill is mailed directly to him.

Given their immediate proximity, these businesses are positioned to benefit from the addition of publicly funded parking, an improvement that would enhance the value and marketability of the underlying commercial property.

On July 21, Mr. Caporale did not recuse himself. He participated in the discussion, pushed back on neighbors who questioned the return on investment and public necessity of the lot, and did not disclose during the hearing that he controls property that would foreseeably benefit from the decision. He then voted in favor of the project. This is not the first time. In 2022, Mr. Caporale also voted to approve the public parking lot directly behind his property.

In my view, this presents a clear conflict of interest. The decision uses public funds in a way that is likely to increase the value and utility of his nearby commercial property while shifting the negative impacts, like noise, lighting, traffic, and diminished residential character, onto neighboring homeowners. At minimum, the circumstances warranted Mr. Caporale’s disclosure and recusal from both discussion and voting.

This issue is not simply about one parking lot. It is about whether residents can trust that decisions involving public funds are being made without undisclosed financial interests.

If a commissioner can vote to spend public funds in ways that materially improve property he controls without publicly acknowledging that interest during deliberations, then the ethical guardrails in Elmwood Park are effectively nonexistent. That should concern every resident, regardless of their position on parking.

—Jack Bower

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The Elmwood Park Advocate welcomes letters to the editor, especially if you read something from the newsletter and find yourself inspired to write a response.

Submissions may be sent to editor@elmwoodparkadvocate.org. After confirming that you are a resident or have some link to the village, the newsletter will consider and prepare your submission for publication.