From: Tony Baez [mailto:tonybaez2@aol.com]
Sent: Tuesday, May 15, 2012 1:12 AM
To: Bauman, Robert; Bohl, James; Murphy, Michael (Alderman); Wade, Willie; Witkowski, Terry; Perez, Jose
Subject: Opposing Item #5 on the Zoming, Neigborhood and Development Committee

Dear Mr. Bohl and other members of this Committee,

I write to vehemently oppose approval of item #5 on the agenda of the Zoning, Neighborhood and Development Committee relating to "A substitute ordinance relating to the change in zoning from Industrial-Heavy to Industrial-Mixed, to expand permitted uses, on lands located on the northwest corner of South 12th Street and West Pierce Street, in the 12th Aldermanic District."

This item involves a request for permanent variance that would allow a Christian school in a heavy industrial area, and above an air gun target practice business in a building owned by James (Jim) Dieter.

We opposed this action because it allows the creation of a school in a highly unsafe area. There are serious issues regarding the safety and welfare of the children�ages 2 to 18+�who would occupy this school for the better part of a school day. This neigborhood and its industrial activities and buildings are not at all conducive to any type of safe educational activity, especially if it involves small children. I would suggest that the members of this Committee would never enroll their own children in this unsafe building and community.

No variance should be allowed that places children at risk in this facility. No school should be allowed in these premises.

The Council for the Spanish Speaking, Inc. wishes to be on record opposing any action that would permit a change in the zoning of the building and any authorization to permit a school in the premises.

Sincerely,

      Tony Baez