m on whether the city should buy a church for use as a recreation center was a close vote, causing those on both sides of the issue to interpret the outcome differently. November 7ths ballot measure, Shall the City of Palos Heights expand the Citys recreational facilities by purchasing the property located at 6600 W. 127th Street, Palos Heights, Illinois, commonly known as the Reformed Church of Palos Heights, for an amount not to exceed $2.1 million, exclusive of remodeling and renovation costs? The votes cast in the City of Palos Heights were as follows:IN FAVOR: 2,847AGAINST:2,856(http://www.palosheights.org/gov/minutes.html) leading those favoring the purchase to say the result does not mean defeat, while opponents said the voters have spoken and the issue is closed. The referendum was intended to end a six-month-long debate, including charges of ethnic discrimination, over the city buying Christ Community Church, 6600 W. 127th St. But it appears that it hasn't settled much, if anything. "An advisory referendum of this sort where residents aren't really advising us in anything is really interesting," said Ald. Julie Corsi, a proponent of the church purchase. "I am taking it as neither a win or a loss. I'm looking at it as a tie. Residents really want us to research this further."(http://www.palosheights.org/) Corsi, who for months has been pushing for a formal study of the church's feasibility as a recreation center, plans to renew her request at the November 21 City Council meeting. Ald. Bob Donnick, who was against the church purchase, stated that November 7ths narrow vote has changed his mind about studying the church. He said he will no longer oppose a study similar to the one the city did on the sale of the privately owned Wimbledon Fitness and Racquet Club. Mayor Koldenhoven said the vote ends the issue of buying Christ Community Church. "There's a lot of close votes, but no means no and the people have said no, we have to r...
