As a resident in this area, this proposal for the use of this land concerns me. I have two small children and recently moved into this neighborhood because of its location and most importantly its safety. I went to the UFCC website and read about the mission and history of the UFCC. Considering that this land is surrounded by homes and families, across the way from a family water park and in very close proximity to schools, the safety of our children/families could be jeopardized. This is not something I am willing to risk; I will be attending the hearing and voicing my concerns.

FYI Apparently that building is on a little strip of land that is in Bolingbrook, so there may be little or nothing that Woodridge can do about it. Residents in the vicinity, be they in Woodridge or Bolingbrook need to show up at that 2/8 meeting to express their concerns.

I hope many people come and voice their concerns. My sister has disabilities but is able to walk to the Cypress Cove to particpate in their water classes in the summer. Plus this is the location for a HUGE Woodridge Park Distrect investment in the coming years - more activities - great! I was very excited for my sister who could participate. If UFCC comes to the area - peace of mind - gone! Drug addicts, excons? Seriously Bolingbrook - have a heart - think ahead here - these 2 endeavers that are important but should NOT be across the street from each other!

No way should this happen. We pay outragous taxes in Woodridge and our safety should be the main concern. Do we have the additional Police needed to devote to this? I certainly do not want to see another tax increase

Lets not forget that this is not only across the street from a pool where all kinds of small children go and there are homes all around, this is also across the street from where our park district would like to spend tons of money (our tax payer money!) on a new sports complex where more children will go. Really? This equals a smart idea?

Woodridge, given the vicinity and the relationship with bolingbrook they should have a lot to say on this matter. Not to mention what this church will do to the already vacant store fronts in the promenade and the rest of bolingbrook.

BTW...the more people at the hearing the better but I will voice all concerns from this blog. The more the merrier, please pass this along to more resudents.

Woodridge is proposing a rec center on one corner, across the street is Cypress Cove. Down the street from the proposed rec center is a park, what is next a JAIL!
This is the most ridiculous idea and if the politicians approve this they must be on crack themselves. Woodridge Police have their hands full with the apartment complexes on Janes now.

yes i have been tellin all my nabors and i live on the street behind it dont want the kidna ppl to be over here if some one can print out alot of copys and put them in ppls mails box not everyone got one

and this is there facebook trying to tell everyone to go so they can have it https://www.facebook.com/UltimateFaithChristianCenter

I don't know how these hearings work or if having more people at it will help his cause but he will likely have a large pack with him.

Some of you may have heard about the "Landscaping Refuse" business aka "TOXIC DUMP" that used to operate on the Bolingbrook side of Woodward (south of 87th) - GONE! Why? - the operator sought a Bolingbrook permit and a couple hundred Woodridge Residents including Mayor Murphy and Town leadership attended the hearing. That was just the beginning - it took additional time and effort beyond the hearing and it took the involment of Woodridge Leadership and in this case I would suggest we also engage all of Park District Leadership too. We need to have a big voice there in order to be heard - we alsoneed to have leadership and coordination. There is a reason that Boling brook puts these types of operations on the "edge" of their township and they ulitmately are the decision makers,and so we have to make it HARD for them to do this so they are forced to pause and rethink.. We need to all be there with Woodridge Leadership engaged and armed with a very clear message: Woodridge does not want to invite folks who are struggling to do the right things in like be given an ongoing "invitation" to regularly walk the same streets as women, children, elderly and the disabled who are likely the largest demographic of those who participate in Park District activites. Is there anyone on this blog that is connected with the Woodridge Park District or Town leaders?

mary i live on the street behind it i really dont want all those kinda ppl to be around here do u think the woodridge mayor is gonna be there and how hard will it be to get them out once they are in

Village of Woodridge Trustees
• Gina Cunningham-Picek Trustee E : g.picek@sbcglobal.net
• Gregory Abbott Trustee E : g.abbott@sbcglobal.net
• Anne Banks Trustee E : msafgb@yahoo.com
• Pamela Beavers Trustee E : pbeavers1970@comcast.net
• Joseph Kagann Trustee E : cplkagan@anet.com
• David Pittinger Trustee E : dave@pittinger.net
• TIPS: Gina, and Gregory are running for Mayor of Woodridge too!

Village of Woodridge Police Dept.
• Ken Boehm - Chief of Police Ph: 630-719-4728 Email: kboehm@vil.woodridge.il.us
• Gina Grady - Deputy Chief of Police Ph: 630-719-4726
• Keith Grabarek - Deputy Chief of Police Ph: 630-719-4726
TIPS: (1) On the Village website - Message from the Chief: "Our mission statement is "to provide dedicated professional service and impartial law enforcement in an active partnership with the citizens of the Village of Woodridge to achieve a higher quality of life for all." (2) They will have to police this new area of concern.

Woodridge Park District Board:
President, Fred Hohnke, Board Member since 1989
Vice President, Jim Duffy, Board Member since 1987
Commissioner, Jack Mahoney, Board Member since 1985
Commissioner, Joe Kubal, Board Member since 1995
Commissioner, Brian Coleman, Board Member since 1998
*Notes: Board President Fred Hohnke and commissioner Brian P. Coleman have filed for re-election.
Contact Information: http://www.woodridgeparks.org/contact.htm
WPD Board meeting dates: Regular meetings of the Woodridge Park District Board of Commissioners are held on the second Tuesday of each month. These meetings begin at 7:00 p.m. at the Community Center, 2600 Center Drive. The public is always welcome to express their ideas or opinions on any pertinent matter. ]

and the major of the ppl the live on my block behind walgreens is high classes so why do we need something like this so close

I plan on attending the meeting on February 6 to hear more about the proposed change of use for the old Walgreens property. Whenever a request to change the use of a property comes up we should make sure we understand what the effects will be, especially to the immediate area. While I realize this property is in Bolingbrook it will impact Woodridge and its residents. I certainly understand the concerns being raised. They are valid, especially being in such close proximity to Cypress Cove, the athletic fields and the proposed Rec Center. While I commend the church for their mission I have questions and concerns regarding this location.

How will parking be addressed? Will the strip center to the north be negatively impacted? Will residents see overflow on their streets?

What will the impact be to traffic in the area and who will have to manage that?

Will the services offered be expanded, both in time and scope, and if so how? Are we looking at just church service, or will there be additional classes, training, or other services contemplated?

Is the church looking to expand into the vacant area adjoining the current building?

These are some of the questions I'll want to hear addressed on Wednesday. The church's web site can be found here - http://www.ultimatefaith.org/

I would invite all concerned citizens to attend the Plan Commission hearing on February 6 at Bolingbrook Village Hall.

and if they do get in cant we all sign something to get them out

Great questions Mike! See you there and good luck in the election.

Mike Krucek - thanks for joining the discussion so promptly and look forward to meeting you 2/6! Michael C. - thanks for starting this thread! ALL - spread the word - the voices of all concerned need to be heard. THE UFCC has a worthy endeavor but there are plenty of other locations in Bolingbrook that are not so darn close to homes, familys and a Park District facility that serves citizens (children, seniors, disabled) that would be vulnerable to the street traffic of human beings clearly struggling to make good choices in life. Hope all can make it out!

CONVICT/addict/homeless CHURCH near OUR CHILDREN????

Proposed in our neighborhood is a meeting place for ex-cons, addicts and homeless. Wonderful idea, but let’s find a place, perhaps further from children and perhaps next door to the politicians that support it, or at least in some industrial park far away from trusting and innocent children.

You have 2 choices:
1. Show up wed. Feb. 6 at 8pm at Bolingbrook village hall board room and oppose this, or
2. Vote with your feet and run away from an increase in crime and danger in the neighborhood.

100 years of studies show "that crime and place are closely linked"
http://www-stat.wharton.upenn.edu/~berkr/cops%20copy.pdf

When dealing with addicts and ex-cons you should
"plan for relapse and promote harm reduction".
Why you ask, because

convicts have a recidivism rate of 50 to 90%

Addicts , rate of relapse = 50 to 90%

Homeless= 25% mental illness, 33 % substance abuse. (see Wharton p. 4)
60% of homeless have been arrested for illegal activity
http://www.eric.ed.gov/ERICWebPortal/search/detailmini.jsp?_nfpb=true&_&ERICExtSearch_SearchValue_0=ED269713&ERICExtSearch_SearchType_0=no&accno=ED269713
What happens where criminals, homeless and addicts gather? Real tough to guess.
Columbia Let’s not even start talking about the percentage of child abuse among criminals and homeless.

I will admit this is the first I have heard of UFCC; however, I feel compelled to just say that felons, the homeless, addicts, etc ALREADY exist IN our community. There is currently very little out there to help these people who feel like they have NO hope so where do we see them? We see them wandering around the neighborhoods, wandering around the parking lots on the East end of Bolingbrook, we hear about them almost weekly in the Patch for armed robberies, drug busts in the Denny's parking lot, the list goes on. When someone is just coming out of prison, they are often looking to start new, rebuild their lives, they need someone to believe in them. Many don't have family support, come from broken homes, etc which often contributed to where they ended up in the first place. It sounds like this church is wanting to provide a shining Light in the darkness, provide them with hope, provide them with a hand up and give them the tools they need to find redemption in Christ. We have people in our community all around us who are struggling. There is a serious lack of community in our area. If we would talk to our neighbors, ask how they are doing, bring them a meal, etc, (myself included), I think it would go a long way with providing a sense of community and help to prevent some of the hopelessness and loneliness that is in our back yards. I commend this church for wanting to come in and provide the hope of Christ to those who are already in our community and struggling.

sheri where do u live bc i dont think u can input on this bc u dont live behind the place and the ppl that live in the area dont really have a history and they get help so dont get so much into urself

and the traffic sucks over here already we dont need more ppl we need less

I can't speak for others but for me and my family the sense of community is the best we have known and I will do all that I can to keep it that way. This establishment while noble and admirable doesn't belong near children and schools.

and all the nabors by be talk to each other and look out for each other bon fires and we do each others driveways if they need help so we are all ok over here

Jake, thank you for your concern, but I actually can input because I live very close to the old Walgreens that is in question and would indeed be effected. I just happen to live on the Bolingbrook side, In fact, there seems to be some question as to whether the old Walgreens that they are proposing to use is on the Woodridge side or the Bolingbrook side. That area is a little tricky. Thank you for assuming I had no say though. ;) There goes that sense of community I was talking about. ;) I think it is fantastic that you all have a great sense of community, and I really do pray that you do everything in your power to keep it that way. I, personally, have a heart that breaks for others aside from myself or my little neighborhood that I love. If you read the Patch often, I am sure you notice all the crime that is pretty much out your back door, so to speak, and is getting more and more prevalent all the time. Bringing a church into the community that has the heart of the community as its focus is certainly going to be a TON better than that eye sore of an empty building that, if it hasn't already, will just invite trouble. I know my opinion is not the popular one, and that is okay. I just happen to like the idea of a church wanting to come in and help the community. I think it is a good thing. I have a 6 year old daughter myself, and I would rather see these people getting help and finding hope than getting into trouble because they had no one to come alongside them.

i also live on the bolingbrook side and its the parents that need to beat there kids butt and make thing realize not to get into trouble so the church will just give more parents a place to dump there kids

Sheri, everyone's opinion is welcome here.

It is no doubt important to seek out those in need but you don't need to bring them into an area full of children. I am also anxious to here what exactly self proclaimed Apostle George Guilford plans to do with it. As a born and raised catholic I have been told by clergy to be weary of those who call themselves apostle or prophet. I really don't see why someone would feel it necessary to try and associate themselves with the the disciples.

The comments made here are being made on false information. Ultimate Faith is not a congregation solely for drug addicts, ex-cons or the homeless. In fact, the church is made up of business owners, white collar workers and their children. Ultimate Faith does not bus in drug addicts or ex-cons for its services. In no way is this church putting you and your families in more danger than any other church.

Any church at its definition will open its arms for someone who is struggling with drug addiction, homelessness or other issues. Those struggling with drug addiction, a criminal past or homelessness attend other churches, and their children go to school with your children. This church will not suddenly plant troubled people into your home.

Instead of furthering fear and misinformation, please read the facts: http://patch.com/A-1F65

ALL, I have been busy sending emails to Woodridge Leadership and I am happy to say that they were/are all aware of this public heaing and have plans to attend the public hearing with questions in hand. More specifically, I have heard back from Woodridge Trustees: Gregory Abbott, Gina Picek and Pamela Beavers. I have also heard back from the Woodridge Chief of Police, Kennneth Boehm. And the Woodridge Park District Executive Director, Mike Adams. I want to thank each of them for taking time to respond and making time to understand the issue and represent the people of Woodridge. They also encourage us all to attend the public hearing as well. For whatever it's worth to folks, I attended one other Bolingbrook public hearing and while I personally did not speak, I was very glad I went. I signed in and heard all sides of the discussion first hand and found the process very informative - also pretty cool to see our democracy at work! Thanks again to Michael Clatworthy for starting this blog and all those who chimed in. The public hearing is set for February 6 at 8pm at 375 West Briarcliff Road Bolingbrook, IL 60440. Hope to see you all there!

Their very own facebook page can be quoted "dedicated to winning lost souls". I am able to say with no shame that I do not want "lost souls" down the street from children. I am sure Woodridge would agree there are better locations for such organizations. It is literally across the street from a water-park and would be next door to a rec-center.

I see plenty of opinions here but no misinformation.

Great footwork Mary I too have been in contact with members of the park district as well as the neighboring schools. It is clear that there has been a very good attempt at making this known to the community. Those with strong opinions will hopefully make it out and let their voices be heard.

Thanks melissa, I'm sure I will hear from the "apostle" tomorrow.

hey melissa where do u live do u live close as close as me im on the street behind it i dont want that in my area so just saying

Melissa, I agree with Michael - I read every page of the UFCC website and their FB page. Every thing I have said here on this blog is based on what is stated there by the pastor himself.- his history, his philosphy, approach to establishing connections with the community, the statements about teachers and trainers - and the common thread through all of his rhetoric - "finding and rebuilding the lost souls". Your article states there are 70 people in the congregation. I could fit 70 people in my house. That Walgreens site is how many square feet? Seems to me the pastor is planning on finding and bringing in a few more "lost souls"? Sorry, I for one do not want my disabled sister walking past a building of lost souls and the man that plans to save them as she innocenlly trys to make her way to go to her local Park District swim class.

There are a number of churches in the area st scholastica, and christ the servant just to name a couple both are gorgeous and run by ordained ministers who don't call themselves apostle.

Just to ask the question -- did you feel more safe with an operating or vacant Walgreens near your home than you do at the prospect of this church community?

His own post refers to those who are opposed to his proposal as atheists. Awfully presumptious and could be insulting to some. I have a hard time believing that someone who calls himself apostle should say that to his church members. People who are likely to believe his every word because of his position.

It can found on ultimate faith christian centers wall.

a wall greens and mary a kid down the street is going blind and he has trouble crossing that street so he dont need ppl trying to get him to go to a church and he doesnt need mor traffic

melissa not the church the ppl they wanna bring to the area

An operating walgreens or not poses no issues that I can fathom. If it was being run by an ordained minister I would have no problem with it.

Melissa - yes I read your article. Have you read the UFCC webite? here is the Apostle's Mission Statement cut and paste directly from his website:

Ultimate Faith Christian Center's mission:
Apostle Guilford's mission is to minister to those that have been given up on, the homeless, ex-offenders, and those with addictions to teach them the word of God. Being ministered the word of God builds self-esteem and in turn equips individuals to become assets to their community. Part of the ministry's mission in addition to winning souls to Christ, is to be a resource in reducing the number of homeless, addicts, and illiterate in the local community and surrounding areas through uplifting and encouragement through the teaching of biblical truths, education, and skills training. Ultimate Faith Christian Center has both members who are certified teachers and trainers, as well as relationships with licensed contractors, plumbers and electricians who are committed to teaching apprentices until they have become equipped with skills and trades. We believe that this type of mission assists with reducing crime in the community and can possibly prevent it from initially occurring or reoccurring by addressing it at the root of the issue. These issues are in many cases based in poverty due to lack of education, low self-esteem and neglect. The ministry's efforts are to further advance the community by uplifting and teaching a better way of life based on the word of God.

Melissa, Are you saying the Apostle has changed his mind on this and this is no longer his mission? It's a worthy mission - just not across the street from a Park District with children, disabled, seniors who would be vulnerable to the street traffic of the lost souls. Disagree if you like but if there is misinformation out there, you might want to speak to the Apostle about that.

There is plenty of commercial space at the strip center on Rt.53 and I55 with tons of parking, why cant they move there?

Just need to say something here, have these people all lost their minds. A church will not hurt your area. This church does infact have meets at the Bolingbrook Park Dist and in no way cause any harm or bring in bad people. They are good people.What is wrong with all this is your all judgemental. There is traffic in this area and a church actually brings traffic on certain days. I say to all "get a life" and get real! You all sound like lost souls to me. Just saying. I say let them pray folks, say a prayer for all the negatives. Peace be with you!!

The lot formerly occupied by walgreens is zoned commercial and brought tax money to the city. will this church? No, I do not want another church in the neighborhood. That rejection is doubly so for a church in which several members refer to the pastor as "Apostle" (the comments of the patch article Melissa cites).

I'm surprised that so many people talk about that area being a "safe" neighborhood when they have the apartment complexes just a block away. There's a reason that the cop sits on Janes and it's not just to catch people speeding.

Amazing that a apartment complex is something bad. Did you know apartments now do background checks? Be real here, cops always patrol that's what they are suppose to do. A misprint on tax zoning was what made a judge allow a church. I thing Frank might be right on the zoning. They put a restaurant there in and cause more of a stir.

Mike and Gina - you both should be concerned about this, as I'm sure you are. Why? Woodridge faces its own challenges in the community and now this may cause more. The single family homes surrounding the complexes whether on Janes or Woodward are wonderful areas, every single one. There is no section of crime in any single family home area in Woodridge. That says a lot about the people in our community and what we stand for. However, the crime has increased over time in the complexes and this crime affects the children, our schools, and our HOME VALUES.
The store fronts at 83rd and Janes need major improvement. And it's nearly impossible because you can't attract enough business that many home owners would patron and why, because of the area. When I say improvement, I mean the quality of the store fronts. They do not cater to the homes in the surrounding areas. 83rd and Janes is like a small downtown, walking distance to pools and soccer fields. There should be coffee shops, ice cream shops, a place to get a hot dog, and if not for Capri and Papas, what is there? Building the rec center at 83rd is a MAJOR milestone and we thank you Woodridge. As we go one step forward, it clearly appears we are going backwards and while Woodridge is trying to move forward beautifying the area, a STORE FRONT church at 83rd will make it nearly impossible. So while yes, this is Bolingbrook, the truth is, this effects WOORDRIDGE.

Initially, I thought this property was zoned Commercial. In truth, it is zones R3 (Residential). Homes could in fact be built on that land ... perhaps a better use and more fiscally responsible.

My grandmother lives just a few blocks from this location, additionally, I have attended UFCC. I know that there is nothing to be concerned about. The mission statement was written about 10 years ago. UFCC is not a church full of felons, drug addicts, and criminals. From the time of its organization to the present time, the ministry has change in a dynamic way. I am an Information Technology Manager with a wife and 4 kids ages 6,5,2, and 1, and we are very careful when it comes to the surroundings of our children.

I am also the web developer who developed the site before recent changes. UFCC is a ministry that is composed primarily of Families, and single mothers. It's not full of felons and drug addicts. UFCC supports anyone who walks in their doors regardless of their walk in life.

Before I was an IT Manager, my family was living off a mere $400/month. Apostle George Guilford helped us all the way to where we are now. Many of the people who attended Ultimate Faith Christian Center are normal people who have had hard times. But through the teaching of the ministry, most people gain hope for their future. Aside from myself, I have seen many others whose life have been changed in a wonderful way.

Everyone needs to understand this Church is reaching out to OUR community. There are drug addicts, homeless ppl, child molesters, and ex convicts already in our neighborhood. Some of them might be a family member or a friend that needs help and this Church may be just what they are looking for. They may be your next door neighbor and you just dont know it. This Church is trying to save their lives and souls, help them become a modest citizen of our community. We have all been given a second chance in life, no matter what it might have been. Because they dont dress like us, smell like us, or some even look like us we are suppose to shut them out and knock them down again????? Who are we to stop these ppl that need help from getting it???? They dont walk around with a sign on them stating their issues, so they can still go to the parks, the mall, and surrounding homes. Just look in our local paper and see all the thefts in our area as well as the attemped aduction of the two girls in the area over the past two weeks. When God is in it No matter what ppl think or try to do God's will, will be done. I pray that everybody gets an understanding that if it had not been for the grace of God we might have been right there where they are. God showed us grace and mercy, so we as human begins need to extend the same.

ok to everyone if the ppl that live in the area dont want something why put it there so everyone needs to realize since we the nabors dont want it stop and dont put it there

I relate to the comments from the Woodridge Mom of 2 - given the investment being made by the Woodridge Park District - this area could do well to attract businesses who cater to the needs of folks engaged in recreational endeavors at the Woodridge Park District, as well as, the homes currently there. That would be a smart strategy to revive home values and quality of life locally. What a pleasure for folks to be able to go for a swim and then an icecream cone on hot summer day. Or a healthy sandwich shop, etc.. Also, I know the Woodridge bike path goes through there too. Not sure how much of these store fronts are Bolingbrook territory though - I was surprised to hear the old Walgeens was Bolingbrook. Maybe Woodridge could offer to buy the Old Walgreens property ?

My GOD i'm glad I moved out of as you people have all mostly gone insane over there.

I'm not sure what they're putting into your bigot juice in the morning, but It's sure got you on overdrive. Most of you are freaking out about crime crime crime and this dudes mission is to reach out and pull people closer to God and Jesus. His main message is love and acceptance and you people think that's a BAD THING?

I didn't know ex cons went to church so they could rob or rape people.

Let's remember the facts. UFCC's mission is clear and finite they can't simply decide to change it now because it is convenient for their proposal.

For the apostle to pass judgement on the people commenting on this blog as atheists is childish and very unprofessional and very unbecoming for an apostle.

That buildings lot is to small to accommodate its patrons...

Praise the Lord! We need more churches "PRAYING" for our communities! I know Ultimate Faith Church would definitely have a positive impact in Bolingbrook & Woodridge! I think this is an "excellent" idea! It's about saving lost souls and making Jesus Christ known through out the world! Halelujah! Jesus Christ Is Lord & Savior!

One thing was clear from last night is that those people attracted to this church and it's self proclaimed apostle in thousand dollar suits are the very people referred to in it's mission. Don't you people realize where your funds are going? 

Now that the real estate market is finally showing some improvement the neighborhood around 83rd and janes is going to hit a plateau and stay there as long as that church is on the corner. The 5k sq foot homes to the west of the corner is going to be hit the hardest. 

Woodridge has made a serious error in not objecting more strenuously to this proposal.

I fear the most for the children in the area. The people attracted to this church are only going to bring more of their kind and most wont want to be helped but will likely be here to help themselves. I sincerely hope I'm wrong, but I'm not going to stick around to find out. Good luck to all who live there, hopefully you won't need it.

Sent from my iPod

i know i feel like the mayor is out for woodridge and dont give a f k about the ppl the live behind it bc are street nvr get fix and nvr get blowed in the winter so when he get out of office this or next yr hopefully we can get out out and the person the is renting it to them maybe woodrige and can pay him to cancer the contract somehow

John 5:16 For this cause the Jews persecuted Jesus, and sought to kill him, because he did these things on the Sabbath. (WEB ASV DBY WBS RSV NIV)

John 15:20 Remember the word that I said to you:'A servant is not greater than his lord.' If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will keep yours also. (WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV)

No neighborhood is without crime. No one is attempting to say this area is without its issues. The goal would be to keep it at its current level and make attempts toward improvement.

But there is no denying who is attracted to this church. Commendable are its accomplishments for effecting so many lives. I admire anyone who is able to turn their life around. But rarely do attempts to change ones life succeed on the first, second or third attempts.

So while these attempts fail this neighborhood will suffer the consequences. The unfortunate are capable to take to extreme measures to obtain what they need and desire. Drug addicts bring down those around them and often spread their disease. Ex-cons will find new areas to exploit and people to victimize.

Good luck and god bless.

I didn't realize that churches had annual sales figures. What does it mean when manta reports that UFCC has annual sales of 51k?

michael i think the ppl in bolingbrook behind cna sue bolingbrook for the giving of the permit bc since we dont want it there they shouldnt put it there bc its not zoned for it so if u can can u look into that bc i live on the street behind it and i know we all will sign it to not go there

I'm sorry, but after reading the entire thread of comments, I just have to say there sure seems to be a racial undertone in most, (not all) of the comments. Why are people assuming the location will attract anything different than churches like Prince of Peace, United Methodist, or St. Scholastica? Even if lived directly behind the selected location, I'd be saying the same thing. When the church is operating, instead of walking past the location with disgust in your eyes because of some misguided idea of the types of people entering the location, smile, say hello, good morning, or what ever friendly greeting comes to mind to the church going people you might encounter. Kindness can go a lot further than misguided hatred.

I'm not sure what comment you are reading. But the focus is on a certain type of person not their race. Last time I checked drug addicts, ex cons and homeless come in all races.

I have the utmost respect for what he is trying to do but their mission and current parish members will attract undesireables to the neighborhood. It is a bad idea for it to be placed so near schools and park districts.

Concerned Individual
Whoever is in charge of this must not listen to the news or pay attention to whas gong on in the news. I am not against having a place for these people to go but this location is no where the appropriate place. Why does it have to be at this specific location? Are you not aware of the places that are surrounding the location you want open to these people? I am all for helping people that have it hard for whatever reason. But you need to thnk twice especially for the safety of those around this building that you want to open up. What if someone decides to go on a shooting rampage? After that sad situation tha recently happened you still hear about shootings somewhere- somehow these people are still gettIng guns. PleSe think twice abou yr decision and the people around surrounding this area and their safety. Thank you. CS

hey mike is there email i cant contact you at i would like to tell you a few things

I am not against a church being located here. I am against an organization that does not have a plan for becoming a part of the communitiy. Forgive me if I am wrong, but I believe this is what I heard at the meeting:

• When asked how they would finance this project, they made light of it by asking for donations. That is not showing planning forethought.
• When questioned about traffic, they simply said that the streets could be widened. It is ludicrous that the nonresident congregation would expect the local tax payers to pay for it. Also, regardless of funding, I do not believe that widening the streets is possible without disruption to the residents whose properties adjoin 83rd Street and Janes Avenue.
• When asked about emergency preparedness (medical or otherwise) for their “programs”, they avoided the question several times then stated that they were trained in the word of God. This type of training will not help in an emergency.

This is not a joke. These are issues not to be taken lightly by any organization. To me, their responses show that they really have no plan, have no consideration for the community they are moving into, and unfortunately seem as though “they have not thought this project through”.

Are they running a business or a church? Sounds like a business. I think a church would have a little more concern. I did not hear that at all.

I would rather see the building stand empty in the hopes of attracting a retail or business tenant, than be the site of this facility. A suitable tenant should have a real plan to improve the site, bring revenue into the area, and keep the site safe for our community.

Now, let's address the religious side of this. WWJD? Or, what would Jesus be doing? He would be shaking his head saying, "People still don't get it." Its about my teachings. Not about me. I want us to all do well, whether I am part of it or not.

And lastly, get a plan together please. Jesus was a carpenter. I am sure he measured twice and cut once.

I don't belive their is any legal recourse here after a couple findalawyer sites with no response and a conversation with a cousin who hasn't passed the bar yet. It is the cities decision to let them use the property or not.

But I am still exploring other routes. Something has to be fishy when its pastor wears 1500 dollar suits and calls himself apostle.

and drives a 2 nice cars and LIVES in joilet the doesnt even live around here

so i hope he gets ound out lok for the cady suv truck what ever but thats his and a an another car i wont say so ya funny huh