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BZA Approves Religious Use for C-1 Zoning
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Wanda Thomas
Photo by Linda Karn |
(posted Jan 3)
Lord of The Harvest Church members gave praises of Hallelujah and thank-yous
to the Speedway Board of Zoning Appeals for its 3-2 vote that will allow
church use at 2828 N. High School Road. The BZA agreed with Department
of Metropolitan Development Senior Planner Ryan Hunt that outdoor activities
should be prohibited since enforcement can't be administered.
The church wanted five days of outdoor activities to host an Easter Egg Hunt, toy giveaway and a community fun and games day. These activities will have to be conducted within the church doors.
Church members as far as Pittsboro, Camby and Greenfield attended the Jan 2 hearing to show support for the 40 member church congregation that plan to buy the Rotz Engineering building that is listed for $565,000. Petitioner Wanda Thomas gave a letter from the building owner's favoring the variance request.
Some members attended for the third time because of delays due to improper advertising and a tie vote. Members were prepared to talk about the church and how it would function as a community asset. They submitted signatures from surrounding neighbors supporting a church use.
However, BZA member Ernest Williams noted the that is not the board's function
to hear the ancillary issues. The BZA authority rests with zoning issues.
According to the Lord of the Harvest website, Pastor Monib Thomas founded the church based on his own troubles
and woes in life due to selling and using drugs. Thomas believes God spared
him of a harsh jail sentence of thirty years to start a church.
Wanda Thomas did not address the Navigator's specific question if the church's
special mission is to help those afflicted with drug problems. Instead,
she said the church's mission is to help any lost soul in any situation,
in sin and without Christ.
It was also noted for the record to recognize the address as 2810 N. High School to comply with DMD records.
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