New Addison center closes lawsuit chapter
From the building's main entrance it seems like a quiet, brand-new office space.
Instantly, however, the chatter of children floats through the halls and reveals what Addison's Henry Hyde Neighborhood Resource Center is really about.
Since it opened about two weeks ago with little publicity and no open house, about 60 children already trek there each weekday for homework help and group activities.
"We want to offer new experiences Ȣ₈¬Ã‚ˆ¦ things that the children are maybe not able to do on their own" said Kiki DeLuna, the center's director.
The center along Michael Lane also will offer computer literacy, GED and ESL classes for adults; it will house the Addison Community Switchboard; and it will offer a police post for community members to report problems or crimes.
The 6,000-square-foot facility, which cost about $1 million to build, replaces a resource center previously housed in a nearby two-bedroom apartment that could fit only about 25 children.
The new center was named after former congressman Hyde because he helped secure more than $600,000 in federal funding for construction costs.
Opening the center also was one of the final mandates from a federal lawsuit filed in 1994 against Addison.
The suit was filed on behalf of the now-dissolved Hispanics United of DuPage, along with other community groups and local residents, who said the village's plan for redevelopment in the Michael Lane and Green Oaks areas violated fair housing laws and would force Hispanics out of Addison.
Rita Gonzalez, community activist and former director of Hispanics United of DuPage, said she's disappointed with the new center's size.
"When people think of a neighborhood center, they think of a building with a theater, auditorium and gymnasium and all types of rooms to offer all kinds of educational programs," Gonzales said today. "Unfortunately, it's very tiny and going to be very limited in what they can offer.
"But any help that comes out of the center is appreciated," she added. "So they will do as much as can be done."
In addition to programs for grade-school children, DeLuna said she hopes to invite guest speakers and offer field trips.
Even though the center doesn't have programs for teens, DeLuna said they could be created in the future based on community demand and staffing levels.
An open house is planned for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 13 at the center, 199 Michael Lane. Congressman Peter Roskam is slated to speak during the event.
Now that the resource center open, Addison officials say they will continue to implement the lawsuit settlement by acquiring and demolishing a four-unit apartment building at 189 Michael Lane in 2008. Addison also will acquire 1.5 acres south of the resource center for a park by 2015, officials said.