(MCT) — Zafar Sheikh thought building a house on vacant land in Highland Park would be a breeze. All early indications from governing officials, he said, pointed to a smooth, quick approval.

That was more than six years ago. Today, the wooded property Sheikh bought near Lake Cook Road and U.S. Highway 41 remains vacant. Neighbors have raised objections to his plans, he has yet to receive a building permit and, he claims, the city has requested multiple alterations. In response, Sheikh filed lawsuits against the neighbors and the city, alleging they have sought to keep him out because of his ethnicity and religion.