Today's Courier News reports that in Elgin, Illinois, HELPS Ministry, the operator of a downtown homeless shelter, has filed suit in federal court claiming that the city has violated HELPS' free exercise rights and its rights under RLUIPA. The suit alleges that the city has indefinitely delayed a vote on granting it a conditional use permit to reopen its shelter at Family Life Church after the facility had been closed down for code violations that made it unsafe for overnight occupancy. The city's zoning board voted unanimously to recommend the permit, but before the Nov. 29, 2006 City Council meeting at which the recommendation was to be approved, the item was removed from the agenda "and sent to the city's legal department indefinitely." Since it was forced out of Family Life, HELPS has provided sleeping space for the homeless on its school bus, at various churches and at a Christian camp.
In Bedminster Township, New Jersey, Church of the Hills and the township have reached an agreement that will permit the church to expand the size of its facility. (Bridgewater, NJ Courier News.) The church had sued under RLUIPA after the township denied it a crucial zoning variance. (See prior posting.) Under the terms of the settlement, the church agrees to various limits that will deal with concerns about excessive noise levels and other disruptions. In the settlement, which still must be approved by the court, the township has agreed to pay the church $150,000. Of that amount, $100,000 is covered by the township's insurance.
