Aurora gives church green light to build

Almost one year from the date of purchasing the land, Aurora's St. John AME Church can begin building their new facility as soon as Thursday.

Aurora aldermen, during Tuesday's committee of the whole meeting, approved the church's final site plan of 25.57 acres at 2950 Bilter Road.

The church owned 84 acres east of Eola and south of Diehl Road and sold the parcel to District 204 in April 2008, for construction of Metea Valley High School.

In June, the church purchased the Bilter Road land from DuPage Property Ventures Group for an undisclosed amount.

Neither church officials nor their attorney were available at or after Tuesday's meeting, but Sixth Ward Alderman Michael Saville said he expects the church to begin building its proposed 6,500-square-foot church that will include an 86-foot steeple, a sanctuary, fellowship hall, administrative offices, classroom and chapel.

"It's great," Saville said. "I think it's going to be beautiful."

Cost and space issues, however, will prevent members from immediately building the fitness center and conference hall included in the original plans.

Since selling their old church in 2006, members have worshipped at District 204's Granger Middle School.

The Rev. Jesse Hawkins previously said he hoped to worship in the new church as soon as October.