Arlington Hts. church projects win village trustees' blessing

Two churches in Arlington Heights received approval this week for changes and additions to their property.

The village board on Monday approved adding a columbarium to remember lost loved ones at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, 1234 N. Arlington Heights Road, and an expanded preschool program at Faith Lutheran Church, 431 S. Arlington Heights Road.

The columbarium at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church will be set back about 50 feet from Arlington Heights Road and will be a place for urns holding remains of members and their immediate families to be stored, said Jim Valentine, operations officer at the church.

Valentine showed photos of the area the church plans to build surrounded by trees and flowers so family members can come visit.

"A lot of thoughtfulness went into this," said Trustee Mike Sidor.

"I agree, it looks like this will be a beautiful addition and a very peaceful place for your members to go and remember their loved ones who've passed on," said Trustee Robin LaBedz. "I think it's a wonderful addition."

The board also voted to allow the Lambs of Faith Early Childhood Center run by Faith Lutheran Church to expand its capacity from 30 students to 48.

Jori Reuter, preschool director at the church, said that when the early childhood center reopened three years ago, the staff was using two rooms on the main floor but now is looking for a special-use ordinance to expand the program to the church's second floor and add more classroom space.

Charles Perkins, director of community development and planning, said there are already enough parking spaces at the church to accommodate the change.

"I'm pretty excited for you that you're expanding," Trustee John Scaletta told Reuter during the meeting. "There's always a need in our town for preschool care and day care.

"This is a good opportunity for you guys to expand without negatively impacting your neighbors."