Live from the Zoning Board of Appeals
Posted by Eric Scheidler on Wednesday, August 27th, 2008
Tonight we return to the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) to object to the issuance of a Permanent Occupancy Permit to Planned Parenthood—an action taken despite the zoning case we have pending in state court.
On July 1, city officials quietly issued the permit, but we were watching, and immediately took action to appeal the issuance of the permit and hold the city accountable.
Come for the hearing tonight at 7 p.m. at Aurora City Hall (map), or tune in here for live reports.
6:50 p.m. I've just arrived at City Hall. Only a couple of the Commissioners are present as yet, along with a handful of pro-lifers awaiting the commencement of the hearing. Attorney Peter Breen has just arrived as well.
7:05 p.m. The meeting has just been called to order by Chairman Margaret Truax. Rollcall finds two Commissioners missing. We have Zoning Official Ed Sieben here, too, and Corporation Counsel Alayne Weingartz.
7:10 p.m. Truax invites Peter Breen to offer a synopsis of his remarks. Breen says that our zoning appeal is "born again" here tonight, despite Planned Parenthood's "thumbing its nose" at our arguments, which went unheard during our previous appeal.
"At some point this board has to come to grips with the merits of this appeal," Peter says. He points out that the attorneys who investigated Planned Parenthood's approvals process never applied the correct zoning to the property.
This a pox on the city of Aurora.
—Attorney Peter Breen
"This is a pox on the city of Aurora," Peter says, and this board is the "final line of defense" for the people of Aurora against such a pox—and this board has the authority to fix it.
7:15 p.m. Alayne Weingartz now responds. She says, in a nutshell that the ZBA has no authority to consider this appeal, as nothing new has happened (the issuance of the final occupancy permit doesn't count, apparently), and there is a pending appeal with the Building Code Board of Appeals, which (she says) prevents this board from doing a thing.
Chairman Truax then says the ZBA can go into executive session to decide what to do next if there is a motion to that affect. Commissioner Bill Bergeron so moves, seconded by Kenneth Karrels, and the Board votes in the affirmative.
The Board exits, as does Weingartz, saying she'll look for a copy machine so she can "tender" a copy of a document for Breen which he is missing. (I though "tender" an interesting choice of words for her!)
7:20 p.m. We await the board's return. I bet Peter Breen a beer that they're going to come back and dismiss the appeal. He refuses to take the bet.
7:25 p.m. The board returns. Linda Cole (who was the one last time to move that our appeal be dismissed), says she agrees with the City that only decisions by the Zoning Administrator can be appealed to this board; they lack the authority to take action on anything else. Cole moves to dismiss our appeal.
Peter asks if he has any opportunity to respond to Cole's remarks. Chairmain Truax says no. Bergeron seconds Cole's motion. Truax calls for a vote to dismiss our apeal. It passes unanimously.
Synopsis: So the Zoning Board of Appeals is holding fast to the Pontius Pilate role it assumed during our first appeal back in November-January. Except that Pontius Pilate did actually offer Jesus an opportunity to make his case—a courtesy this board has never extended to us.
What's next? We have our hearing before the Building Code Board of Appeals on September 10, at 5 p.m. here in the Council Chambers—another opportunity for officials of the City of Aurora to take responsibility for the debacle of Planned Parenthood's illegal presence in our community.
Stay tuned . . .
I am unable to be at the zoning board meeting. I'm sure PP is confident the fight is over and only the dogmatic zealots remain. This is not true. Deep in the hearts of many in Chicago, we continue to mourn and cry out to God. Lord, stop the murder of the unborn. Keep and take care of the mothers and unborn children as your creation continues. Forgive us for our poor stewardship of life that You have given us. Help us to stand for the defenseless as You stood for us and went to the Cross. Help us, Dear Lord. Amen.
August 27th, 2008 at 3:28 pm
I cannot be there, but am praying! Thank you for keeping the blog so updated!
August 27th, 2008 at 5:25 pm
I cannot make it down to Aurora tonight, but you guys will be in my prayers… thanks for keeping up the good fight!
August 27th, 2008 at 5:49 pm
Unfortunately, I am at college in MN. However, I have been praying and I am passing the word around my college about what PP does and did to Aurora.
Rest assured, this called worker training school is behind you tonight.
August 27th, 2008 at 6:24 pm
HELP HELP HELP HELP HELP HELP HELP HELP HELP HELP
On Sunday, August 31st at 4:30pm Batavia is going to re-dedicate their Wilson Street Bridge to Monsihnor Donovan.
Mayor Tom Weisner has been asked to speak because of the sad fact that he had once been Fr.Donovan's altar boy: http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=226565&src=5
We are planning on having a mini Truth Tour stationed near the bridge — if not on it. We will meet around 4:15. Please come and help remind everyone that Mayor Weisner is no friend of Mother Church.
August 27th, 2008 at 6:57 pm
Eric, you said:
"So the Zoning Board of Appeals is holding fast to the Pontius Pilate role it assumed during our first appeal back in November-January. Except that Pontius Pilate did actually offer Jesus an opportunity to make his case—a courtesy this board has never extended to us."
Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't they do that when they said, per your statement: "7:10 p.m. Truax invites Peter Breen to offer a synopsis of his remarks."
IMO, with all due respect, Mr. Breen had the original opportunity to do just so, but decided instead to put the committee on the defense with his remark. You simply can't walk into a room full of board members, pretty much call them idiots, tell them to wisen up, and expect them to want to help you. Just sayin'.
August 27th, 2008 at 9:02 pm
Marie, while what you said would normally have some merit, in this case, even the most eloquent speech ever written would not make them budge. Bottom line is that they were passed the hot potato and want to get rid of it before they get burned. If they decide to act on something, they are the ones that really have "grabbed the wheel" and will be the ones held accountable - something the board members don't want.
August 27th, 2008 at 11:19 pm
I am just astounded at the lack of character and backbone in the people of this zoning board. That, coupled with their need for "flight" from the ongoing conflict just keeps dragging this process on and on. Zoning board, it's blood on your hands, plain and simple. You have have the power, but not the guts to stand up for what is right. Who are you afraid of? Planned (un)Parenthood? your voters? Obviously, you do not fear God, for your inaction is the same as action to keep the "murder mall" alive. Let's turn the "Auschwitz" of Aurora into an Adoption agency (yea, like that's ever going to happen).
August 27th, 2008 at 11:19 pm
What can you say? These are a bunch of arrogant politicians, and no one "is going to tell them what to do!"
Fact of the matter is, all the rules could be turned on them overnight, and they WILL be held accountable for the murder of these children in this life or the next.
Doubt me? Like to see they try to explain "the incorrupt" or "eucharistic miracles," both of which defy all the laws of nature and science, and can by introduced as evidence in a court of law - (not to mention public opinion) - to establish the MORAL LAW vs. man made law. (The Church, incidentally, teaches God's laws ALWAYS supercede man's, and introducing this evidence, would form a basis for doing just that.)
Would love to see the ACLU or Planned Parenthood try to explain that? The only thing that allows them to get away with it is we have so many corrupted politians and judges that they believe they can get a way with anything, and the fact of the matter is, one day all the tables will be turned on them, and they will be held accountable for this murder, when they had the power to overturn abmonination, (i.e. "health clinic!")
August 28th, 2008 at 7:06 am
Yes!
What "eucharistic miracles" and how would you introduce them into a court of law?
It sounds to me like you'd rather live in a theocracy.
August 31st, 2008 at 8:27 am
Heard a great line today…
***If life does not begin at conception why does Planned Parenthood hand out so many condoms?***
Mike
August 31st, 2008 at 11:19 am
All,
Gustav means "God's Staff".
Biblically, the staff was a symbol of God's power and sovereignty as in Moses turning the staff into a snake as evidence that he was speaking for God and again when Moses raised the staff and the Red Sea parted.
Perhaps God will be showing His power or make a statement with "Gustav".
We'll know shortly.
—-
On television they showed the picture of the hurricane moving. The eye of the storm looked like a baby moving about in the mother's womb. It was like watching a live Ultrasound. It really made me think even more?
God has the power to protect us from anything. Does the fact the United States continues to kill over 50 million unborn babies result in God removing some of his protections?
Mike
August 31st, 2008 at 5:55 pm
This is taken from a book called, "Words from Jesus." Some believe that this is a modern day lay apostle who is receiving these words from Jesus. It has not yet been confirmed by the church. My understanding is the Church does not start to really investigate until the apparition or encounter such as this are no longer occuring. Something to think about:
7/2/03 10:24 AM
"My child, this is a time of great preparation. You must not only prepare by cleansing your soul, but also by putting food and water aside and My angels will lead you to your place of refuge. My child, many will deny that a warning is coming. Many will mock you for your willingness to follow My ways and not the world's way. These are the souls, My child, that need the most prayer. These are the souls that you must be willing to suffer for.
My child, in time there will be many who will ask you for direction and you must continue to witness My love to them and show them the way of the cross. There will be many in your own family who will mock you and say that these words are untrue, but please, dear child, continue to suffer for them. Those who suffer in this life will have a great reward in the next. My child, do not become distracted because this mission you have been called to do is just beginning. This world will shake and so many will be running and will not know the way.
My people, your lack of prayer is not pleasing to Me.
Your lack of respect for life is causing My wounds to bleed profusely.
Your unwillingness to follow My Commandments is causing your souls to be in danger. My people, I have sent My Mother and she continues to plea for sinners to repent. My people, My Mother will not continue to warn My people much longer.
I will warn My people very soon and those who are willing to change their ways will be with Me. Those who continue with their selfish and sinful ways will burn for eternity. One of the greatest sins is lack of respect for the body. Too many use their bodies in such sinful ways that many souls are going to hell. My people, wake up and begin to prepare because your time of preparation will not be much longer.
My child, continue to carry your cross and walk the long road before you. I will be with you always and will continue to open up new doors. Now go forth and have peace and remember I am Jesus and I will continue to show you the way."
August 31st, 2008 at 10:20 pm