Warsaw BZA Approves Church Expansions
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
Two religous organizations, First Presbyterian Church and God's Highway to Heaven Church, are expanding their facilities. Both requested variances from the Warsaw Board of Zoning Appeals Monday which were unanimously approved.
The First United Presbyterian Church, 210 S. High St., plans a 10,000 square foot addition to the south side of the property.
Church members wish to stay in the downtown area as well as expand. The increased space would be used as a worship hall, classrooms and a gymnasium.
The current southside playground and parking lot would be eliminated with a new playground area planned.
The organization offers three services now and is at maximum capacity.
No construction start date was given. Dan Woods, who serves on the church's construction committee, was asked about parking availability.
Woods said southside parking would be eliminated. A nearby city lot is available and the church has another lot to the northwest available for patrons.
Pastor Robert Brown of God's Highway to Heaven Church also received a 5-foot rear yard setback for a planned 3,200 square-foot addition at 555 Weber St.
Brown's congregation has also grown and has met at other locations for fellowship in the past.
The proposed 80-by-80-foot building would also necessitate an unimproved alley vacation and the acquisition of a small parcel from an adjoining property to the east, owned by Brown's father.
In other business the board:
• Heard the request of Terry Craig, 718 Oak St., to build 1 foot below the city's flood protection grade of three feet.
The state's requirement is 2 feet, a height Craig plans to meet.
Craig also asked for a 16-foot front yard setback to construct a deck.
The Oak street resident said he plans to raise the foundation of the existing building, build a deck and an addition.
Craig said bringing the building up further would be out of character with the neighborhood.
Board president Alan Clingman explained this request was similar to one decided last month. He advised Craig the property's warranty deed would have to be amended advising future property owners about the floor level in relation to the food level.
Craig was also advised to bring all electrical, heating, ventilating, plumbing and air condition units above the flood plain.
The 25-foot front yard setback variance, to 156 feet, was approved 4-to-1 with Bruce Woodward voting nay.
• Approved a request by Paul Karbley, 507 S. McClellan St., for a zero-foot set back on the side yard for an attached deck.
• Heard from city attorney Mike Valentine the Richard Carman appeal has been withdrawn.
The next meeting will be Aug. 27 at 7 p.m. in council chambers at city hall.
BZA members are Bruce Woodward, Dan Hampton, Richard Keevan, Tom Heuer and Trish Brown, non-voting council representative. [[In-content Ad]]
Two religous organizations, First Presbyterian Church and God's Highway to Heaven Church, are expanding their facilities. Both requested variances from the Warsaw Board of Zoning Appeals Monday which were unanimously approved.
The First United Presbyterian Church, 210 S. High St., plans a 10,000 square foot addition to the south side of the property.
Church members wish to stay in the downtown area as well as expand. The increased space would be used as a worship hall, classrooms and a gymnasium.
The current southside playground and parking lot would be eliminated with a new playground area planned.
The organization offers three services now and is at maximum capacity.
No construction start date was given. Dan Woods, who serves on the church's construction committee, was asked about parking availability.
Woods said southside parking would be eliminated. A nearby city lot is available and the church has another lot to the northwest available for patrons.
Pastor Robert Brown of God's Highway to Heaven Church also received a 5-foot rear yard setback for a planned 3,200 square-foot addition at 555 Weber St.
Brown's congregation has also grown and has met at other locations for fellowship in the past.
The proposed 80-by-80-foot building would also necessitate an unimproved alley vacation and the acquisition of a small parcel from an adjoining property to the east, owned by Brown's father.
In other business the board:
• Heard the request of Terry Craig, 718 Oak St., to build 1 foot below the city's flood protection grade of three feet.
The state's requirement is 2 feet, a height Craig plans to meet.
Craig also asked for a 16-foot front yard setback to construct a deck.
The Oak street resident said he plans to raise the foundation of the existing building, build a deck and an addition.
Craig said bringing the building up further would be out of character with the neighborhood.
Board president Alan Clingman explained this request was similar to one decided last month. He advised Craig the property's warranty deed would have to be amended advising future property owners about the floor level in relation to the food level.
Craig was also advised to bring all electrical, heating, ventilating, plumbing and air condition units above the flood plain.
The 25-foot front yard setback variance, to 156 feet, was approved 4-to-1 with Bruce Woodward voting nay.
• Approved a request by Paul Karbley, 507 S. McClellan St., for a zero-foot set back on the side yard for an attached deck.
• Heard from city attorney Mike Valentine the Richard Carman appeal has been withdrawn.
The next meeting will be Aug. 27 at 7 p.m. in council chambers at city hall.
BZA members are Bruce Woodward, Dan Hampton, Richard Keevan, Tom Heuer and Trish Brown, non-voting council representative. [[In-content Ad]]