DNAinfo Chicago’s Serena Dai reports on neighborhood complaints as the Broadway Youth Center appeals the city’s denial of a special-use permit to allow BYC to continue operating out of Wellington Avenue United Church of Christ, which has served as its temporary home since June. The permit is partially contingent on the outcome of a vote by residents of the surrounding area. BYC is a Howard Brown Health Center affiliate that provides a variety of services and opportunities to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, asexual, and allied (LGBTQA) youth ages 12-24.
From DNAinfo:
“Last month, neighbors said they would offer support as long as they had veto power on any changes in operating hours.
But at a contentious meeting this week of more than 50 people, some residents seemed less welcoming. They said if the center does not find a way to control its clients after hours, they will fight the permit’s approval, leaving the Howard Brown Health Center affiliate without a home.
The center’s services attract “riffraff,” and while its mission is admirable, its clients cause trouble in the neighborhood after hours, some neighbors said. Broadway Youth Center should be held accountable for the trouble, they said.
“Until this is addressed, I will personally fight this to get your expulsion,” said resident Melissa Cox, who was loudly applauded.”
