Lord of the Harvest Church Will Return 3rd Time

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SRC president Scott Harris points out the boundaries of area two to the BZA.

Photo by Linda Karn

(posted Dec 6)


Lord of The Harvest Church will have to return to the Speedway Board Zoning Appeals January 2 to hear its fate on whether or not it can receive a variance for a church use with outdoor activities in a C-1 zoning classification. The December 5 decision ended in a tie vote, so BZA Chairman Charlie Powell recommended that Wanda Thomas come back for a third time to present the case to the full five member board.

Ryan Hunt, Department of Metropolitan Development Senior Planner, said that DMD staff gave favorable recommendation for the petition. Staff members recommended for keeping the existing tree line for a buffer, adding handicap parking, and  against soup kitchens and outdoor activities.

Thomas submitted a letter to the BZA that shows the current owner knows that variances are being applied for. She also indicated that financing is in place. The church is waiting for the property to be appraised.

Speedway Redevelopment Commission President Scott Harris said the church use could pose a problem to redevelopment area two's master plan, scheduled to be completed within six months. He called the area a "critical area" to the redevelopment of Crawfordsville Road, I-74 and High School Road, so he would have to oppose any development in the area until the master plan is completed. Although he said he is a "religious person," his concern is that a "religious organization" could impose further restrictions to adjacent properties, thus hindering the economic development of the area. He indicated this particular commercial property is also important to the west side of High School Road. If approved, a church use would become tax exempt making a current loss to the tax base of $11,275.74 per year.

Harris also emphasized the entire redevelopment area two is critical to the "economic enhancement" of the entire town. Area Two is suffering from blight and empty retail space. Although a new CVS and Pizza Hut will open soon in the area, these already existing businesses are not providing new net growth. The area also recently lost Baskin & Robbins, Speedway Donuts, and Sky Bank.

The variance to have a church in a commercial zoning may become a moot point if the city county council amends the ordinance to allow churches to become a permitted use in a C-1 zoning classification. The petitioner still needs a variance to have outdoor activities in a C-1 zoning regardless if the city county council passes the ordinance prior to the BZA's January 2 meeting. Powell expects the city county council to hear the issue in January. Hunt said the ordinance is currently in review by a council committee.

The BZA members debated the issue whether granting a variance for outdoor activities would set a precedent for other commercial businesses to request variances for outdoor activities.

BZA member Jeremy Gooch indicated the board handles petitions on a case by case basis, so the board can determine if the petitioner has a worthy request. Gooch thought a denial for outdoor activities would be going against the heart of the church's mission. Some outdoor activities include a toy give away and an Easter Egg Hunt.

Thomas thought the denial for outdoor activities would be "handcuffing" the church's operations, but she said they would accept a denial rather than not to have a church at all.