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Commission recommends conditional use for Raekwon's Haven shelter at 509 Julian Street
Summary
The Planning & Zoning Commission voted to recommend city council approval of a conditional use permit for Raekwon's Haven, a small community residence for up to eight women and children, after staff outlined program rules and neighbors raised safety and supervision concerns.
The Waukegan Planning & Zoning Commission on Dec. 18 voted to recommend that the City Council approve a conditional use permit for Raekwon's Haven to operate a small community residence at 509 Julian Street.
Planner Tyler Williams told commissioners the proposal is for a residence for women and children under age 6 experiencing housing instability. Under the Unified Development Ordinance application, the maximum occupancy would be eight people including children, with each resident assigned a private bedroom and a maximum stay of two years. Williams said the application includes background checks and substance-abuse testing for all applicants and staff-recommended conditions allowing the city to require increased overnight staffing if problems arise.
The nonprofit’s founder, Takisha Baker, described a network of referrals and partnerships that supply residents and support services. Baker said the group operates several Lake County properties and that this location will emphasize longer-term transitional stays rather than an overnight shelter: “This is a home…they live there. They reside there.” (Takisha Baker)
Neighbors and aldermen pressed for operational clarity. One nearby resident said overnight supervision of a single staff member felt insufficient and raised concerns about mental-health and public-safety incidents in the neighborhood. Alderman Victor Felix asked whether city conditions and procedures could require a review or revoke the permit if operations change; staff said the conditional-use ordinance and the rental/business license process create a pathway to review and potential revocation for noncompliance. Alderman Lynn Florian urged support for providers amid shrinking federal housing funds.
Commissioners noted the staff’s recommended conditions — background checks, drug testing, minimum overnight staffing and a review mechanism — and the letter of support from the Lake County Community Development Administrator. Commissioner Shepherd moved to accept the findings of fact and recommend council approval with the staff conditions; the motion was seconded and approved by roll call.
The recommendation now goes to city council. If council denies the permit, Raekwon's Haven would not be able to operate the small community residence at this location under the proposed terms.
