A private security guard working at the Jefferson Park CTA Terminal, 4917 N. Milwaukee Ave., reportedly returned fire after a group of three people started harassing him and then fired read story
Church, community center proposed for Sauganash building, which already houses a basketball court
by BRIAN NADIG
A church and a community center are being proposed for a two-story commercial building at 6125 N. Cicero Ave. that includes a regulation-size basketball court.
When the building was constructed about 15 years ago, some Sauganash area residents raised concern about the size of the building, which replaced a one-story retail structure, and inquired about whether the basketball court would be used as part of a health club or recreational rental facility for the public. At the time city officials said that the basketball court was intended primarily for private use.
The building also includes offices and a basement, where there are reportedly locker room facilities.
The most recent occupant of the building is Opis Renewables, which provides training for the renewable energy industry.
The Live Free Christian Group is looking to acquire the building and use it for religious services on Sundays and as a community center the rest of the week, according to 39th Ward Alderman Samantha Nugent’s office.
The project would require the Zoning Board of Appeals to issue special uses for a community center and for religious assembly in a business district. A variation also is being sought to reduce the required on-site parking requirement, as a third special use is being sought to allow 40 off-site parking spaces at 6160 N. Cicero Ave., where a parking lot for an office building is located.
The zoning board is expected to schedule a public hearing on the proposal later this spring. The board acts independently of the City Council, and it is not unusual for the board to vote against the wishes of the local alderperson, although the board will take an alderperson’s recommendation into consideration.
Nugent is expected to seek input from local community groups before issuing a possible recommendation on the matter.
Concerns reportedly have been raised about congregants crossing the wide and often busy Cicero Avenue when walking to and from the parking lot. A need for a crossing guard has been raised.
(photo by Rob Mandik)
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