Zoning board hears debate on W. Chicago prayer center

History may be a hard thing for leaders of the Islamic Center of Western Suburbs to overcome in their effort to seek permission from DuPage County to convert a house into a prayer center.

Already fighting accusations in court that the group is violating county zoning ordinances, neighbors opposing the proposal told the county's zoning board of appeals Monday that they don't believe promises made by the center's leaders to be good neighbors in the future.

"This is done where they have come asking for forgiveness instead of permission," neighbor Bob Williams complained.

The board heard from about three dozen supporters and opponents each before adjourning the case until Sept. 9, when they are expected to render a recommendation. That recommendation will help guide the county board, which will ultimately decide if the group will be allowed to use the house as a religious institution and add parking.

The house, located at 28W774 Army Trail Road near West Chicago, was bought by the group in 2008. Shortly after the purchase, the group began making landscaping changes to the property to assist lack of parking for the worshipers who arrive five times a day.

Supporters said they need the proposed worship space because no other site exists nearby.

"I've been waiting for some kind of facility near my home where I can go five times a day," Aziz Sattar said.

Kevin Gallaher, the center's attorney, told the board that the center's leaders have arranged to use a nearby Methodist church for larger events like Friday services and during Ramadan.

Gallaher said leaders expect anywhere from two to 20 worshipers to use the facility for about 15 minutes during any of the five daily prayer services that occur at sunrise, noon, midafternoon, sunset and an hour after sunset. County code calls for the center to have 30 parking spaces, but Gallaher suggested building a lot for 15 cars and landbanking space for 15 more spots if the county determines it's necessary.

Neighbor Jackie Sitkiewicz said worshipers routinely block her driveway, which has kept her and her husband from leaving at times.

"This is not a question of religion or race or the history of the United States of America," she said. "This is about zoning."

Many residents complained the state had granted the group a property tax exemption for the house, but the board members told the irate residents they couldn't take the tax issue into account. Wayne Township officials also requested the zoning board deny the proposal, and the health department issued a letter to the zoning board with concerns that the house's septic field could handle large congregations.