CITY HALL — A resolution to block a state tax credit for Spike Lee's "Chiraq" film production was deferred Monday when the sponsoring alderman failed to advance it at a City Council committee meeting.
Ald. Will Burns (4th) failed to attend Monday's Finance Committee meeting, where his resolution on "Chiraq" was the top item on the agenda. His office later said he was preparing for a medical procedure Tuesday, and that Burns did not want to distract attention from debate over the $1.1 billion refinancing loan the city is considering. That loan passed the committee, along with $3.65 million in new police settlements.
Burns' spokesman Prentice Butler said the alderman above all wants to hold a hearing on the "Chiraq" issue, and one would most likely be scheduled before next month's City Council meeting.
Burns submitted the resolution at last month's council meeting asking that the state block a potential $3 million tax credit for the film production. Burns said the subsidy was intended to enhance the reputation of the state, but that Lee's film, reportedly concerning Chicago's gun problem, would only damage the reputation of Chicago and the South Side neighborhoods where it would be set and filmed.
Lee has countered that critics of the movie would "look stupid" when the finished product is released.
The Illinois Film Office confirmed Monday that Lee has formally filed to obtain the tax credit, intended to encourage movie production in the state.
"Chiraq" continues to shoot in the city. Burns' colleague Ald. David Moore (17th) also raised issues on the movie, but relented to allow a recent block party when faced with the support of the community and the Rev. Michael Pfleger of St. Sabina Church.
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