Huntley church plans big expansion

It appears that the Zoning Department at the City of Huntley does not allow the same parking spaces to be counted both for a parish center and a church. Opponents to St. James’ “cathedral style church” were unable to convince Belvidere officials that such is the proper approach to the issue.

Huntley church plans big expansion

By Jeanie Mayer For The Courier-News September 16, 2011 12:18PM

HUNTLEY — The village board heard details of a proposed major addition to St. Mary Catholic Church, 10307 Dundee Road.

Staff outlined the parish’s plan to build a 32,567-square-foot addition alongside the church to house classrooms for religious education, offices and meeting space. The proposal includes a covered carport, up to 17 meeting rooms and a professional kitchen.

The board indicated it was pleased overall with the proposed addition, but balked at the parish’s request to reduce the number of additional parking spaces the new building would require under village ordinance. The ordinance calls for an additional 260 parking spaces under the proposed plans. St. Mary’s is asking that it only be required to put in 97 more parking spaces.

“We do not at all envision a dual use where the parish hall is being used when the sanctuary is full,” a parish representative said.

Trustee Harry Leopold said he liked the plan, but was concerned with the possible shortage of parking spaces if the board allowed the parish relief of that many spaces.

“It is a real nice addition to build, and needed. I am concerned about the relief (of parking spaces). I would like to see examples of additional parking,” he said.

The above is taken from: http://couriernews.suntimes.com/7693022-417/huntley-church-plans-big-expansion.html

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The pictures and graphs shown below are from St. Mary’s Parish website:  http://www.stmaryhuntley.org/

Below is a statement from the Pastor in this week’s bulletin (9-18-2011). Over $1.5 million of the $5 million drive has been pledged.
   

NY TIMES Editorial: Leadership Crisis

 

Editorial

Leadership Crisis

Published: September 17, 2011

Despite what the Republicans loudly proclaim, Americans do not buy into economic theories that were disproved 25 years ago. What the new poll and others show is that most do not see the deficit and “big government” as the main problem, and they do not buy the endless calls for slashing spending and reckless deregulation.

A solid majority said creating jobs should be the highest priority for the government now and that payroll taxes should be cut to help with that. A whopping 8 in 10 think building bridges, roads and schools is important, which means — gasp — spending money.

Read the rest by clicking on the following:  http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/18/opinion/sunday/leadership-crisis.html?_r=1&hp

Should taxes be allowed to increase when property values fall?

Under new legislation proposed by state Rep. Jack Franks [Dem.Crystal Lake], taxes could not go up at all — not a penny — in any year in which the gross value of property in a taxing district decreases. The only exception is if voters approve a hike by referendum.

“Home values have plummeted in recent years, but the tax burden on those properties continues to rise,” said Mr. Franks, a McHenry County Democrat. “It is unconscionable that property taxes have increased as more and more homeowners are under water with their mortgages.”

Under current law, taxes can go up by the rate of consumer inflation or 5%, whichever is lower.

Mr. Franks has several co-sponsors, most of them Republicans.

Full text available at:  http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/fulltext.asp?DocName=&SessionId=84&GA=97&DocTypeId=HB&DocNum=3793&GAID=11&LegID=61913&SpecSess=&Session=

97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2011 and 2012
HB3793

Introduced , by Rep. Jack D. Franks - William Cunningham, Ed Sullivan, Jr., Kent Gaffney, Lisa M. Dugan, et al.

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

35 ILCS 200/18-185

35 ILCS 200/18-205

Amends the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law in the Property Tax Code. Provides that, if the total equalized assessed value of all taxable property in the taxing district for the current levy year (excluding new property, recovered tax increment value, and property that is annexed to or disconnected from the taxing district in the current levy year) is less than the total equalized assessed value of all taxable property in the taxing district for the previous levy year, then the extension limitation is (a) 0% or (b) the rate of increase approved by voters (instead of the lesser of 5% or the percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index during the 12-month calendar year preceding the levy year or (b) the rate of increase approved by voters). Effective immediately.

LRB097 12395 HLH 56861 b

FISCAL NOTE ACT MAY APPLY

HOUSING AFFORDABILITY IMPACT NOTE ACT MAY APPLY