Religious institutions at issue in western DuPage

It's property rights vs. the right of assembly on the west side of DuPage County at least when it comes to a tax amendment that may prohibit religious institutions and gathering places from being built in residential areas.

And candidates in the Nov. 2 election for a county board seat in District 6 which covers all or parts of Bartlett, Carol Stream, Hanover Park, St. Charles, Warrenville, Wayne, Wheaton and Winfield are each emphasizing a different right.

Bob Larsen, a 46-year-old Wheaton Republican, said he is a big believer in property rights of homeowners who live in residential areas where mosques, synagogues or churches may want to locate.

“We have to respect the property rights of the people on either side of those areas, Larsen said. “And while there are benefits to having religious institutions within residential areas, it has to be done with a healthy respect for property owners.

Larsen's opponent, 61-year-old Bartlett Democrat Dave Barry, said politicians must be careful placing any restrictions on the core American rights of assembly and freedom of religion. Neither Larsen nor Barry currently holds a county board seat.

“Churches have had a core role in our society. It's not just a place of worship, Barry said. “It's a place where people go to assemble, people go to get services, so to restrict them to commercial areas, I think would be very difficult.

Barry said the zoning appeal process not a tax amendment should govern whether religious groups can build in a residential area or relocate to an existing residential building.

Larsen said the zoning appeal process is flawed and could be “tightened. He said he does not support a zero tolerance rule prohibiting religious facilities from locating in neighborhoods.

“I think there definitely need to be greater restrictions than there are now, Larsen said. “But sometimes the simple answer isn't the right one when you're talking about an issue as important as First Amendment rights and the right to religious expression and the freedom of religion. I don't think just an easy zero tolerance answer is the way to go.

The idea of amending DuPage County tax laws to prohibit religious institutions from locating in residential neighborhoods stems partially from a controversy over a prayer center near West Chicago.

The Islamic Center of Western Suburbs bought a home on Army Trail Road in 2008 and converted it into a prayer center. Neighbors have complained that worshippers parking at the prayer center block their driveways.

The county board in 2008 rejected a measure that would have imposed limits on locations for religious institutions.

But in DuPage County's 6th District, where development is still occurring, the issue is again up for debate. The election is Nov. 2.