What seems like a simple question to many is proving harder to answer for Proviso Township Trustee Gay Chase. The question: where does she live?
Questions regarding Chase’s primary residence began circulating after the Coalition for Accountability, a grassroots organization formed by citizens of Proviso Township who share concern for their community and are trying to fill news gaps, made a post alleging that Chase had relocated to Florida.
Chase first became part of the Proviso Township Board of Trustees by appointment in February 2024 following the passing of Trustee Clarence Thomas Jr. Chase then won her seat on the board during the April 2025 election.
In a podcast episode published on YouTube on April 13, the podcast hosts alleged documents found show a “clear trail” that Chase had relocated to Land O Lakes, Florida.
The issue? Under Illinois Township Code 60 ILCS 1/55-5, township trustees must reside within the township and be qualified electors of the township. If Chase’s primary residence was now in Florida — approximately 993 miles away from the township she serves — she would have to give up her seat on the board.
This “paper trail” included a cross reference of Chase’s voter registration information from the Illinois State Board of Elections, which showed her physical address as 1136 Park Place in Bellwood, with Cook County property records.
According to those records, Chase’s Park Place home was sold on March 9, 2026 and her other property, 137 Marshall Ave. was sold in 2025.
Allegedly, Chase purchased a “brand new construction home” in April 2025 on Runaway Breeze Drive in Land O Lakes, Florida.
“All your mail and your favorite armchair are sitting on a beach house on the Gulf of Mexico,” said the podcast host. “Can you effectively steer a ship you aren’t living on?”
While owning properties in different territories or states is not against the law and would not immediately disqualify someone from holding a trustee seat in Proviso Township, Chase’s Land O Lake’s property has been classified “owner occupied,” meaning she resides there.
Allegedly, according to the Pasco County Property Appraiser, the property also shows a $50,000 Homestead Exemption — a legal provision that reduces the taxable value of a homeowner’s primary residence.
According to Pasco County Property Appraisers, in order to qualify for that exemption one must be a permanent resident of Florida and have a valid Florida driver’s license and Florida voter registration card. The same documents are required to prove eligibility to serve as a trustee for Proviso Township.
Documents provided by CFA to Forest Park Review, and then verified, showed Chase is an “active” voter in the state of Florida. Cook County Clerk Monica Gordon’s Election Department Voter Registration rolls also show Chase as an active Cook County voter.
Chase’s physical absences from Township board meetings have also fueled speculation.
According to CFA and Proviso Township Meeting minutes, Chase has physically been absent for at least five meetings including the following:
May 1, 2025 Board Meeting: Chase attended via audio conference
Meeting: Chase attended remotely
August 19, 2025 Board Meeting: Chase was absent
February 2, 2026 Board Meeting: Chase was absent
March 2, 2026 Board Meeting: Chase was remote
David Ocampo, a Proviso High School Township school board member, filed a FOIA with Proviso Township for an official response on Chase’s residency.
“No one is above the law,” Ocampo told Forest Park Review. “No one can skirt around the law. … She makes decisions on our taxes for payments and projects but technically speaking she doesn’t reside here so it doesn’t pertain to her. Why hold on to something that you’re no longer a part of the community? Relinquish your role.”
In the FOIA, obtained by Forest Park Review, Ocampo requested all township meeting records from Jan. 1, 2025 to the present that reference Chase. He also asked for all correspondence regarding Chase and her residency, voter registration or qualification to serve on the board.
According to the FOIA response, Ocampo’s request was both granted in part and denied in part, with “private information,” which included private information such as home addresses and personal license plates, exempt from disclosure. Additionally, the FOIA response also stated that “personal information” requested would “constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy,” and was also redacted.
The FOIA response did include a portion stating: “Also, in response to your additional request for information regarding the residency of Trustee Gay F. Chase, the Township’s attorney has verified that Ms. Chase remains qualified to hold the office of Township Trustee.”
Township Attorney Michael Durkin was not able to be reached for comment.
The Review has not been able to contact Chase.
However, a basement apartment might be what is keeping Chase eligible to serve Proviso.
According to a residential lease agreement, submitted to the State of Illinois, Chase is a tenant of a basement apartment in Bellwood.
In documents provided to Forest Park Review, CFA said, “A lease can be evidence of residency, but it is not conclusive if other facts show the Florida address (still appearing in public records) is her actual primary home,” said a podcast cost. “The township now has a lease on file, so their attorney is treating it as sufficient. Remote attendance or sporadic presence does not substitute for actual residency.”
“I know she has strong local ties to influential members and I’m not going to speculate but people know the situation, it’s time to do the right thing,” Ocampo said. “Relinquish the seat and have someone local in that role.”