(March 31, 2016) A text amendment allowing churches in B-2 shopping districts in Berlin received favorable reviews – and a first reading – at the mayor and council meeting at Town Hall on Monday.
Earlier this month, the planning commission voted unanimously to recommend the change, which was a condition of SonRise Church purchasing the former Merial Select property on 10026 Main Street, near Route 50 and Route 113.
Another condition, which also received a first reading, was rezoning the property B-2, from M-1 light industrial.
SonRise hopes to subdivide the property, selling portions to pay for the development of a large church complex and several athletic fields. Representatives from that group specifically mentioned a McDonald’s, Cracker Barrel and a chain hotel as potential partners, during the planning commission meeting on March 9.
Previously, Berlin only allowed churches in R-1 residential districts, which, according to Planning Director Dave Engelhart, the planning commission felt was “outdated.”
Mayor Gee William agreed on Monday, saying he was pleased to see “the types of zones” where churches could be built was expanding.
“This is an exciting change for the community,” he said, adding that the SonRise project, in particular, was, “a very appropriate use of very good land … I don’t see a downside.”
Councilmember Lisa Hall said the town has had a wonderful relationship with the church, which has worked with the police department, among other town organizations, to host positive town events. She said the potential for new jobs at the north end of Main Street, along with additional tax revenue, were also pluses for the town.
“It’s building a new gateway to Berlin,” Hall said.
Both the text amendment and the rezoning will require public hearings and official approval from the council. The hearing is scheduled for April 11, at 7 p.m. at Town Hall.
Earlier this month, the planning commission voted unanimously to recommend the change, which was a condition of SonRise Church purchasing the former Merial Select property on 10026 Main Street, near Route 50 and Route 113.
Another condition, which also received a first reading, was rezoning the property B-2, from M-1 light industrial.
SonRise hopes to subdivide the property, selling portions to pay for the development of a large church complex and several athletic fields. Representatives from that group specifically mentioned a McDonald’s, Cracker Barrel and a chain hotel as potential partners, during the planning commission meeting on March 9.
Previously, Berlin only allowed churches in R-1 residential districts, which, according to Planning Director Dave Engelhart, the planning commission felt was “outdated.”
Mayor Gee William agreed on Monday, saying he was pleased to see “the types of zones” where churches could be built was expanding.
“This is an exciting change for the community,” he said, adding that the SonRise project, in particular, was, “a very appropriate use of very good land … I don’t see a downside.”
Councilmember Lisa Hall said the town has had a wonderful relationship with the church, which has worked with the police department, among other town organizations, to host positive town events. She said the potential for new jobs at the north end of Main Street, along with additional tax revenue, were also pluses for the town.
“It’s building a new gateway to Berlin,” Hall said.
Both the text amendment and the rezoning will require public hearings and official approval from the council. The hearing is scheduled for April 11, at 7 p.m. at Town Hall.