Zoning, Churches And Discrimination

A lawsuit over the siting a church in a small town in Illinois cites racism and discrimination in land use.

1 minute read

August 20, 2003, 7:00 AM PDT

By Connie Chung


"A Korean Methodist congregation filed a $5 million federal lawsuit Monday against Long Grove over the village's refusal to approve construction of a church. The suit, filed in U.S. District Court in Chicago, seeks a court order that would allow Vision United Methodist Church to build on a 27-acre site it owns in Long Grove." While racism is alleged by the church, the Village President insists that "the dispute has nothing to do with race or religion" and that the church's proposal "was rejected because of the impact it would have on residents and questions about the project's feasibility." However, "the church contends it is being discriminated against because the village is treating it differently from other churches in the community....Also, the suit states, Long Grove's zoning ordinances allow 'restaurants, tearooms, taverns and health clubs' in certain zones but not churches....It also cites the federal Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act of 2000, prohibiting municipalities from restricting religious freedom without a compelling government interest...."

Thanks to Connie Chung

Tuesday, August 19, 2003 in The Chicago Tribune

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly

Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 2, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

White and purple sign for Slow Street in San Francisco, California with people crossing crosswalk.

San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths

Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.

July 1, 2025 - KQED

Google street view of red brick multi-story power plant building in Pittsburgh, PA.

Defunct Pittsburgh Power Plant to Become Residential Tower

A decommissioned steam heat plant will be redeveloped into almost 100 affordable housing units.

July 4 - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Cyclist on protected bike lane in middle of street in Washington D.C. with Washington Monument obelisk visible in background.

Trump Prompts Restructuring of Transportation Research Board in “Unprecedented Overreach”

The TRB has eliminated more than half of its committees including those focused on climate, equity, and cities.

July 4 - Streetsblog USA

Blue and silver Amtrak train at small station.

Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train

The new service will operate morning and evening departures between Mobile and New Orleans.

July 3 - New Orleans City Business