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Village Board approves special use to relocate Christian Church of Villa Park and food pantry to East Saint Charles Road
Summary
Trustees granted special-use approval for a religious assembly and drive-through pantry at 507 E. Saint Charles Road, citing staff review including a traffic study and finding minimal tax impact because the petitioner will lease the property rather than own it.
The Village Board voted March 23 to grant special uses permitting religious assembly and a drive‑through food-pantry operation at 507 East Saint Charles Road, clearing the way for the Christian Church of Villa Park to relocate its ministry.
Pastor David Holston and Stewardship Council Chair Doris Carter described the ministry’s outreach: weekly pantry pickup that serves roughly 250 people, a long history of local service and the congregation’s wish to remain in Villa Park while finding a more suitable, centrally located space. Church leaders emphasized that the pantry operates largely with volunteers and community support.
Director House and planning staff confirmed a traffic-impact analysis reviewed by the village engineer, which found sufficient on-site stacking and no off-site traffic impacts when pickup operations are limited to a weekday morning window (approximately 9:30–11:30 a.m.). Staff also confirmed that the proposed assembly use would not change the property tax status because the petitioner would lease rather than own the property.
Trustees expressed differing views about locating a congregation inside a TIF district and whether the location provided optimal access for some service recipients; several trustees nonetheless cited the pantry’s local benefit and voted to approve the special use. The motion passed on roll call.
