Aurora opposes proposed Will County religious institution
Concerns about fire protection and public safety are among reasons Aurora will file a written protest against a religious institution proposed for 9727 Carls Drive in an unincorporated part of Will County, aldermen said.
With a 10-2 vote Tuesday night, the city council agreed to submit a written statement to Will County protesting Salahuddin Razi and Ashfaq and Khatija Maqsood’s plan to construct a house of worship and religious studies center at the Carls Drive location.
Alderman Allan Lewandowski, whose ward is adjacent the unincorporated area containing the proposed location, said he’s concerned a religious institution at the site may not have enough fire protection or prevention measures in place. He said it could put an extra strain on fire personnel at Aurora’s Station 12, which is closest to the site.
Without a fire hydrant nearby, a truck from Station 12 would be the only option to put out a fire, Lewandowski said.
His fire protection concerns are included among four objections that will be included in Aurora’s written protest to Will County, based on information described as “limited” that petitioners provided the city.
The city also is protesting the proposed use because the area is designated for low-density residential buildings, and a religious institution may not be compatible.
A possible increase in traffic congestion and concerns about inadequate water and sewer infrastructure are the last two points of contention.
Filing the protest simply puts the city’s objections on the record, said Bill Wiet, Aurora’s development director.
Aldermen Stephanie Kifowit and Scheketa Hart-Burns voted against submitting the written protest.
Alderman Rick Lawrence asked whether the statement could be called by another name to avoid the possible interpretation the city is protesting against a religious group or its beliefs.
But Alayne Weingartz, city attorney, said “written protest” is the official name for the process of making sure the city’s concerns are heard.