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Resident opposition and sound-study requests follow Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church pickleball proposal
Summary
Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church presented a proposal to amend its Specific Use Permit to add two pickleball courts, a covered structure and lighting; the Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval after receiving a sound study but neighbors voiced noise, traffic and hours concerns and Council asked for the complete sound study before a February public hearing.
Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church asked the Bunker Hill Village City Council to amend its Specific Use Permit to allow two pickleball courts, a trellis shade structure, fencing and associated lighting on church property. The Planning and Zoning Commission previously recommended approval after MDPC submitted a formal sound study and revised the court location farther from Bylane Drive residents.
Architect Katherine Tees presented updated renderings, a lighting study summary and the site relocation that moved courts away from the nearest residences. Tees and MDPC representatives said the plan places courts over the existing asphalt parking area and includes site amenities and a covered structure.
Several residents raised concerns during public comment. Mary Johnson of 225 Bylane said she opposed the proposal because it would increase vehicle and pedestrian traffic, would add noise to a backyard area that already registers audible ballfield noise, and could operate on hours she characterized as “9 a.m. to 9 p.m.” She said neighbors on Bylane oppose the placement.
Council members emphasized they had not yet decided on the ordinance amendment and requested the complete formal sound study and supporting materials prior to taking any formal vote at the February 2024 meeting. No action was taken at the Jan. 16 meeting.
Why it matters: the SUP amendment would change permitted uses on church property adjacent to residential lots and could affect noise, nighttime lighting and traffic patterns for nearby homeowners. Planning & Zoning recommended approval (6–1) in November 2023 after MDPC repositioned the courts and provided studies; Council paused for the full sound study before proceeding.
