On behalf of the congregation at Unity Temple Unitarian Universalist Church (UTUUC), we the board of trustees oppose the current development plans for 835 Lake St., Oak Park as proposed by Golub & Co. developers.
As elected stewards of Unity Temple, we take seriously and reaffirm our obligation and our commitment to protect this building as both our sacred space for worship and as a historical architectural treasure of local, regional, national and international importance. We share with the Unity Temple Restoration Foundation serious concerns with any development that poses risk to Unity Temple either physically, aesthetically, or experientially.
As a historic and engaged community member, UTUUC will support development that is within the current zoning guidelines for the 835 Lake Street address. We believe that any proposed development that is outside the current zoning guidelines must be evaluated through a thoughtful, inclusive, and transparent process that considers impact and appropriateness, and includes meaningful community participation. We are compelled to this call through one of our faith’s core principles: “to affirm and promote the right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large.”
We urge the village of Oak Park to pursue, in thoughtful and inclusive discussion with the community, what would best serve our community in this space.
Alec Brownlow
President
Karen Haskins-Brewer
Vice president
Bill Crozier, Anne Devaud, Clara Lewis, Terri Powell, Willa Shultz, Dave Willard, Erik Wise
board@unitytemple.org
