Hare Krishnas say hate-based violence could follow development in Chicago’s Rogers Park

Religious group opposing same project for the second time

1710 West Lunt Avenue (LoopNet, Getty)
1710 West Lunt Avenue (LoopNet, Getty)

The Hare Krishnas say their pre-dawn worship and post-midnight festivals could drive neighbors to hate-based violence if a developer pushes through with a proposed 20-unit apartment complex in Chicago’s Rogers Park neighborhood.

Developer David Gassman is asking the city for a second time to let him build a 13-unit addition to a building vacant since 2016 at 1710 W. Lunt Avenue, according to Block Club Chicago. The building is a 100-year-old, historically protected building that was most recently a sober group living home.

It’s again being vehemently opposed by the next-door congregation of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness Chicago, which has been based at 1716 W. Lunt Ave. since 1979.

“When people get really annoyed or mad, sometimes they make not good decisions and they are actually threatening,” Sapna Patel, a member of the congregation, told Block Club. “We see again and again, people do take the wrong decision and do harm to a community. It would be scary for me and my kids.”

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The Krishnas are worried their chanting and singing, which starts as early as 4:30 a.m., could cause tension with their neighbors. Their festivals can also last past midnight, Block Club reported.The Krishnas are also concerned their neighbors might have parties or grill meat, which could disturb the vegetarian congregation.

“I’m really concerned about this massive increase in density affecting our ability to practice our religious worship,” said Edward Suda, according to Block Club.
Gassman said at a community meeting last week that he is asking for Alderman Maria Hadden’s support on rezoning. Hadden’s office is seeking feedback on the proposal.
Gassman first proposed adding onto the Lunt property in 2017, a year after he bought it from Lutheran Social Services, which ran the sober home. Former Alderman Joe Moore denied the zoning change needed for the addition, saying the project required a business district designation in a residential area, according to Block Club.

[Block Club Chicago] — Harrison Connery