DuPage zoning board delays prayer center vote

A key vote in Islamic Center of Western Suburbs' effort to convert a house near West Chicago into a prayer center will have to wait at least a month.

On Thursday night, DuPage County's Zoning Board of Appeals postponed its recommendation on the Muslim group's proposal until after a traffic study is completed.

Islamic Center leaders are seeking permission from the county to use the house at 28W774 Army Trail Road as a religious institution.

They also are requesting more parking.

The zoning board's recommendation is significant because it will help the county board make the final decision on whether a conditional use permit should be granted.

During a public hearing in July, zoning board members heard from about three dozen people.

At the time, supporters said the planned worship space is needed because no other site exists nearby.

Neighbors opposing the proposal argued the house should only be used as a residence until the county decides whether to allow a different use.

Kevin Gallaher, the center's attorney, said the traffic study is needed to address some of the complaints made by neighbors.

"It's one thing for me to have an opinion that traffic is not going to be affected," Gallaher said. "It's another thing to have a professional weigh in and say what he thinks. I think it's better for the neighbors to have that kind of professional assurance."