Board member warns of reported Holiday Inn redevelopment plans and raises concerns about 'Sharia law' language in promotional material

A LaSalle County board member raised alarms during public discussion about a reported open house at a former Holiday Inn in Sheridan, saying a pamphlet advertised the property as a gated community to be operated under Sharia law.

"The original pamphlet that went out very clearly stated that this would be a gated fenced community operated under Sharia law," said the board member, who said he served in the Middle East and raised constitutional and public‑safety concerns. His remarks drew applause; other members asked whether Sharia law is permissible in the United States and stressed constitutional limits.

County staff clarified that any redevelopment or change of use, including conversion to long‑term residential use or religious institution, would require zoning board hearings, public notice and county board approval. Staff said the property’s deed had not transferred and a potential buyer had not closed on the site; any change of use would be subject to the normal zoning approval process.

The board moved on to subsequent business after the exchange. No formal action was taken regarding the property or the pamphlet during the meeting.