Elgin residents in the area around ...

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 conclusioned in little more than a indistinct utterance of discontent. But on occasion, an clamor has arisen that has drawn the attention of police and the media.

between the sides of it all, Tacos La Flor, 910 Dundee remained make open

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

Resident Leann Runyanwood appeared Wednesday before the city council to own 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 not at home 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 like as Tacos La Flor.

Efforts Thursday to reach restaurant holder Francisco Espindola were unsuccessful.

BAR PATRONS BLAMED

Last fall, Police Chief Lisa Womack met with about couple 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 hold an eye on the restaurant for several weekends. At the same time, stepped-up patrols helped abridge complaints, he said.

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

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

While Runyanwood wants the restaurant to bring to a period at midnight, at least individual resident has suggested the disturbances could be drastically reduc if La Flor clos before 4 a.m. and reopen at 5 or 5:30 a.m.

nevertheless not everyone says such gradations are necessary.

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

Sun-Times novels Group

Copyright CHICAGO SUN-TIMES 2006

Provided by dint of ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved