Thread: Neighbors blast late-night patrons of Elagin taco stand

Neighbors blast late-night patrons of Elgin taco stand

August 11, 2006

BY NATHANIEL ZIMMER Courier News




Elgin residents in the area around Hill and Slade avenues have been complaining about noise, violence and trash associated with late-night patrons of a nearby taco joint for years.

At times, their irritation has resulted in little more than a murmur of discontent. But on occasion, an outcry has arisen that has drawn the attention of police and the media.

Through it all, Tacos La Flor, 910 Dundee, remained open.

But the behavior of the 24-hour restaurant's clientele is back in the spotlight, and officials are exploring ways to reduce disturbances there.

Resident Leann Runyanwood appeared Wednesday before the city council to tell about the "foundation-shaking" car radios she says awaken residents late at night.

"We have a right to sleep," said Runyanwood, 39, who has lived in the area nine years.

After the meeting, Mayor Ed Schock said he first heard complaints about Tacos La Flor at last week's National Night Out festivities. He said he is taking the issue seriously.

If it chose, Schock said, the city could pass an ordinance limiting the hours of restaurants such as Tacos La Flor.

Efforts Thursday to reach restaurant owner Francisco Espindola were unsuccessful.

Bar patrons blamed



Last fall, Police Chief Lisa Womack met with about two dozen residents to discuss disturbances, after which police contacted Espindola.

Police Sgt. Glenn Theriault said Espindola was "more than happy" to work with police and paid for off-duty officers to keep an eye on the restaurant for several weekends. At the same time, stepped-up patrols helped reduce complaints, he said.

Many of the incidents reportedly involve people who head to the restaurant as the city's bars close down.

A Sept. 25 shooting outside Runyanwood's house, for instance, started with a dispute between two groups that moved from one downtown bar to another before finally making their way to Tacos La Flor, according to police reports.

While Runyanwood wants the restaurant to close at midnight, at least one resident has suggested the disturbances could be drastically reduced if La Flor closed before 4 a.m. and reopened at 5 or 5:30 a.m.

But not everyone says such steps are necessary.

One resident who asked not to be identified said of Tacos La Flor, "I have no problems with them. ... Everybody's got to make a living."

Sun-Times News Group

".....everybody's got to make a living."!!!

At who's expense though?