Bottom Line Up Front: sad to say, the meeting with the Hampton Zoning Board did not go well. Unexpectedly we were opposed by the Coliseum Central planning entity and they took issue with the variance as stated on the basis of State and local ordinances governing the setbacks and parking setbacks required for churches. Interestingly, this is the first time a property designated for use as an office was requested for use as a church in the city of Hampton. The Zoning Board was uncomfortable establishing a precedent like we requested.
The result will be as follows:
1. The Church Executive Board will carefully examine the position taken by the Zoning Board to ensure it has merit and explore any possibilities of appealing the current decision or reapplying to the Zoning Board with new & better information.
2. The Church Executive Board will continue to search for a suitable property that meets the criteria we have learned through this process that we need.
On a positive note, we have learned an immense amount through this process and we will be better prepared in the future. We have now clearly defined the minimum square footage we need, the budget we have available, the floor plan essentials we desire, and now understand much about the process we did not know before. This will benefit us in the future.
Finally, I remind all of us, as I have stated from the beginning, "This is God's Project - it's His "baby" and success in every part of this venture is in His purview not ours. Be not discouraged with this circumstance. We have asked continually that His guidance be firm and clear and if this door has closed, I have no doubt He has another ready to open. And, in the process, we have rippled our community, and touched several lives. Pray that God will give us grace to be gracious and persistent in this process.
Thank you all for your prayers and interest. We will press on. One battle lost is no reason to give up a war! God bless you all! Have a great week!
