Commissioners approve variance for American Albanian Islamic Center fence despite staff recommendation to deny

Kenosha commissioners on Nov. 11, 2025, voted to approve a zoning variance that allows existing gate and fence elements at the American Albanian Islamic Center, 6001 88th Avenue, to remain as installed.

The variance seeks relief from the city’s vision-clearance requirements in section 2.06(b) of the zoning ordinance. Staff had recommended denial, saying the application did not meet the findings required by section 9.05(b) and that the situation appeared to be a self-imposed hardship because some constructed elements differ from what had been permitted.

“Self-imposed hardship is not grounds for variance,” a staff member told commissioners, citing the ordinance. Gary Roberts, director of city inspections, explained that the city relies on permit-holders to call for final inspections and that some older permits — including a 2015 fence permit in this case — were administratively closed without a final inspection when no call was made.

Amir Ishiri, who identified himself as a board member of the Islamic center, told the board that gate and fence elements have existed on the site for “10 to 12 years” and that during that time “we had no complaints, no incidents, no accidents.” He said the center recently lowered stone pillars at the entrances to four feet as requested by the city but that replacing gates in kind would cost roughly $15,000 and strain the center’s event budget.

Alderman Artivera of the 17th District, who said he lives two blocks from the site, told commissioners he has not heard neighborhood complaints and described the property as “aesthetically immaculate.” Racio Barnegash, representing AXL Transit Company and listed with the most recent permit paperwork, said some of the gates in question were existing and that the applicant provided photos showing the clearances.

Commissioners debated whether the issue was a present safety concern or a potential future problem if sidewalks and an urban cross section are installed along 88th Avenue. Staff warned that vision-clearance rules are intended to protect pedestrian and vehicular sightlines and that a variance could make future enforcement more complicated if conditions change. Commissioners also discussed the administrative practice of closing old permits without final inspections if no inspection was requested.

After discussion, a committee member moved to approve the variance and the motion was seconded. Commissioners voiced “aye” and the chair declared the ayes carried; the record shows the variance was approved despite staff’s recommendation to deny.

The hearing did not record a complete, roll-call tally for every commissioner in the preserved excerpt; the minutes note several ayes and the chair’s statement that the ayes carried. The meeting adjourned shortly afterward.

What happens next: The record does not specify additional conditions attached to the variance or any required follow-up inspections; staff indicated the issue could be revisited if future development created a safety hazard.