Muslim prayer center, residents collide near West Chicago
By Jake GriffinLeaders of the Islamic Center of Western Suburbs want to convert a house at 28W774 Army Trail Road near West Chicago into the organization’s prayer center and food pantry, but neighbors are fighting the plan.
Kevin Wiley has been waiting for Monday for two years.
That’s the day when DuPage County’s Zoning Board of Appeals opens a hearing into a proposal to convert a house at 28W774 Army Trail Road near West Chicago into the headquarters for the Islamic Center of Western Suburbs.
The leaders of the Muslim group want to turn the house they bought out of foreclosure into a prayer center and food pantry. Neighbors like Wiley want the group to stop using the house for anything other than a residence until the county decides whether to allow a different use.
“First it was the landscaping issues they did without the proper permits that changed the floodplain and caused my basement to flood twice,” Wiley said. “The thing that bothers us the most is the constant rotation of different people coming and going every day.”
This is the third time the issue has been in front of the county’s zoning board. The Islamic Center’s new attorney, Kevin Gallaher, said he is aware of the history surrounding the proposal and is hopeful a resolution satisfactory to all sides can be reached.
“There’s been some miscommunication along the way on the part of all parties,” Gallaher said. “All sides need to come to an understanding as to what the ultimate use of the property will be.”
Islamic Center leaders are seeking a “conditional use” permit that will allow them to operate the property as a religious facility. They also are asking for more parking.
“They’re trying to convert a residential property into something it wasn’t intended to be,” said neighbor Ron Cwik.
Adding to the controversy is a private driveway the Islamic Center shares with Ray and Jackie Sitkiewicz. The couple told the county board last month that many times they’ve found themselves either unable to enter or leave their property because cars of people worshipping at the house five times a day block the drive.
In January, the county cited the Islamic Center’s leaders for zoning violations related to parking and non-permitted uses of the property. The state’s attorney’s office is seeking more than $25,000 in fines it claims the center has racked up since the beginning of the year for failing to comply with the county’s orders. But the case was once again held over for another month last week to see what comes out of Monday’s meeting, Gallaher said.
Compounding the confusion is the state department of revenue’s decision last year to grant a complete property tax exemption for the parcel. That amounts to more than $8,600 off the tax rolls, Wayne Township Assessor Michael Musson said.
Sue Hofer, a spokeswoman for the department, said the decision was based on a recommendation from the county’s board of review.
“We have no way of determining local land use,” she said. “Our job is to determine whether the use of the property is consistent with the law.”
Hofer said the Islamic Center’s paperwork was complete and included federal nonprofit documentation.
DuPage Supervisor of Assessments Craig Dovel said that while his office does make a recommendation in conjunction with the board of review, the state is ultimately responsible for deciding whether to grant an exemption. Dovel and Board of Review Chairman Tony Bonavolonta said the county doesn’t check for zoning violations before making any recommendations.
“We don’t question a religious use,” Bonavolonta said. “We just forward that onto the department of revenue.”
However, Hofer said the state relies on county officials to make sure a property owner seeking a tax exemption is legitimate.
“They are our eyes and ears on the ground,” she said.
Wiley said none of the government agencies are looking out for the residents.
“See? That’s insane with the tax exemption,” he complained. “By them saying they are using the property for religious purposes, they are admitting to the zoning violations.”
The county has been dealing with church-related zoning issues for several years, but the county board rejected a measure that would have imposed significant limitations on locations more than a year ago. The county is being sued by another Muslim organization after a proposal to open a similar prayer center and food pantry near Naperville was rejected recently.
County board member Jim Zay said the issue of zoning for religious facilities in residential areas needs to be addressed.
“It’s not about the church, it’s about property rights,” he said. “People coming into a single-family area have the right to assume it’s going to remain a single-family area.”
No…this is not a repeat post of Muslims trying to do the same exact thing in Brooklyn NY. This time they are showing no respect to their neighbors in Chicago. Muslims are constantly demanding respect, yet they do not care about the wants and beliefs of non-Muslims. Islam is one-way street, and we should return the favor. Say no to Muslim immigration, and Mosque construction.
Hat tip to Dee.
Time just flies by.
Checking in with home base, how’s everybody doing? Still fighting the good fight. I never quit. I think this is my best one yet.
Allah’s murdering cult has a phobia about anything not Islamic.
Here you go. Use it.
Allah’s murdering cult of Islam has a phobia about anything not Islamic.
The battle is real. Christians continue to be soft targets, subjected to draconian blasphemy accusations and orchestrated Muslim mob attacks, while the perpetrators enjoy near-total impunity.
Yahushua said My sheep hear my voice. The wolf is ravenous in sheep’s clothing. The wolf is one of those bent on destruction, malice, and hatred.
I wonder if getting a speeding ticket is a sin. I got one today going to the Doctor. I’m not perfect. It’s been a long time since I got one of them. Been going up and down this hill too much. My wife usually does the driving, but she can’t drive yet until the Doctor gives her the OK.
I’m still human. Praise Jesus. Deus Vult. ✠ ✠ ✠ ✠
Well, I’m going to go spread the truth some more. I’ve been to Amelia’s site, the girl from Britain fighting Islam.
I keep spreading all my knowledge about Islam to get people up to speed.
David Wood is still out there taunting Muslim. I love it.
I check in with Mark Levin. They have a video of what those Muslims did; it’s the video the Muslims took themselves. The description was horrible; I didn’t want to watch it.
I’m going around and seeing a lot of people speaking out on Islam.
I just watched this video of what America is doing to Iran, they’re taking out their ability to ever threaten anybody in the Strait of Hormuz.
I would say I’m well informed; I’ve learned from the best.
Amelia, the British Patriot, she sings really well.
Will they make public any evidence they may have of wildfires being started in their countries by Muslims determined to harm Infidels? I think if far more likely that they will conceal such evidence, so as not to contribute to “Islamophobia” and to calls for a halt to Muslim migration.
More Christians murdered in Sudan.
Allah’s murdering cult of Islam has a phobia about anything not Islamic. ✠
The fight is not over. Jesus is with us right now and 4 Ever. Deus Vult
Chosen warriors, Praise Jesus. Deus Vult
Found some more Crusader music, Christian music that hits differently mix. 30 more Crusader songs. I think up to about 100 Crusader songs now.
The darker the world gets, the clearer the Light becomes
Being born again isn’t just about starting over; it’s about being built anew from the inside out.
Another Great Track/Message!
I’m adding it to my playlist! Please keep them coming! May God Bless You!
I see your music as Grace for me!
Don’t wait for a better time to stand for the Truth—now is the moment to lock in your purpose and follow the King.
The fire you’re going through isn’t meant to destroy you, but to refine your spirit. God is making warriors even hell itself would fear. Praise Jesus, Deus Vult
The battle doesn’t end just because you’re on the right side; it requires vigilance every single day.
Standing on guard means protecting your heart, your mind, and your faith from the noise of this world. Let’s stay alert and move in His power together.
The world around you might be shaking, but when your foundation is built on the Rock, you shall not be moved.
Your identity isn’t defined by what the world says or even how you feel today—it’s defined by the One who created you.
You are chosen, valued, and called to greatness in His Kingdom. Stand firm in who you truly are.
I have learned that I need to keep close to God and walk in my real identity, a child of God.
No matter how far you feel you’ve drifted, His grace reaches further. There is no distance His love cannot cover and no valley He won’t walk through with you.
Let’s keep moving forward in His strength and purpose together.
True freedom isn’t just an idea; it’s a reality bought with a price. When you realize that your chains have been broken, you can finally walk in the power and purpose you were created for.
No more fear, no more slaves.
Freedom has a name, Jesus
Prayer isn’t just a quiet moment; it’s your most powerful weapon in the spiritual battle. When you align your spirit with the King through prayer, you become unshakable.
Let’s stay armed and ready for the fight.
Truth that gives you the power to stand firm and move forward. You are loved, you are chosen, and you are never alone.
The love that forges you, holds you accountable, and teaches you to walk into the storm without breaking.
The enemy studies your cracks, your doubts, and your flesh — but he is not greater than Christ. …
When you make the Kingdom your first priority, every other part of your life finds its right place.
Don’t let the worries of this world distract you from the King’s purpose. Put Him first and watch Him lead the way.
WARCRY is for the ones still standing with scars, faith, and a sword in their hand.
For us Christians, every day is a battle. We need to be ready.
“When His presence becomes your priority, His power becomes your foundation. Let’s keep our eyes fixed on the King through every battle.
Spiritual warfare is a daily reality, but you don’t have to fight it alone. Putting on the full Armor of God is how we stay unshakable and victorious in every storm.
THE ARMOR OF GOD — a battle anthem for every believer who refuses to fold under pressure.
Standing alone in the eyes of the world means you’re standing with the Only One who matters.
Never be afraid to stand your ground for the Truth.
The war was never just about temptation. The real choice is who will guide your steps.
Burying the old self isn’t an end—it’s the beginning of becoming the person God truly called you to be.
Islamists in New York City, Times Square:
“We’ll take New York, then the rest of America. One by one, we will not stop until Islam enters every home. We’re done hiding; Islam is the one true religion.”
Seriously, how can anyone not realize this is a huge threat?
I pray discernment for all and may you who are here pass it to others. It is the largest spiritual battle in the history of the world, and only very few see it.