Downtown Eastside anti-gentrification protesters are planning a news conference at the site of the old Pantages Theatre tomorrow at noon, where they say a formerly homeless resident will begin a hunger strike.

The hunger striker will start at the Pantages site – location of the proposed Sequel 138 condo project – and then move a block and a half west to picket the embattled restaurant Pidgin restaurant at 6 p.m., according to a news release.

The release was sent out by DTES activist Wendy Pedersen, an organizer for the Carnegie Community Action Project (CCAP) and a 16-year resident of a housing co-operative on Alexander Street.

The goals of the hunger strike are unknown at this point.

Tensions have flared in recent weeks between business owners in the area and activists who have picketed the Pidgin restaurant and allegedly swiped the Save On Meats sandwich board.

mhager@postmedia.com

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