Southridge Church seeks approval for new building project to serve community

The Santa Clara County Planning Commission convened on March 27, 2025, to discuss a significant building project proposed by Southridge Church. The meeting began with a review of the agenda, which included a public hearing on the church's application for a permanent facility after years of operating from various temporary locations.

During the meeting, concerns were raised regarding the projected traffic impact of the new building. A commissioner questioned the estimate of 49 trips associated with the 174 parking spaces, suggesting it seemed low given the potential for simultaneous use of the church and multipurpose building. The project engineer, Amanda Musi Videl, clarified that while the church and multipurpose building could occasionally have overlapping activities, they would not operate at full capacity concurrently. This clarification aimed to address the confusion stemming from the initial traffic analysis report.

The commission then opened the floor for public comments. Makai Ermler, representing Southridge Church, expressed excitement about the project, emphasizing its potential benefits to the community. He highlighted the church's commitment to serving the community, especially during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic. Ermler presented letters of support from local neighborhood associations and residents, reinforcing the church's desire to be a positive presence in the area.

As the meeting progressed, commissioners disclosed any ex parte communications or site visits related to the project, ensuring transparency in the decision-making process. The public hearing concluded with a call for further discussion among the commissioners regarding the project.

Overall, the meeting underscored the church's aspirations for a permanent location and the community's support, while also addressing logistical concerns related to traffic and building usage. The Planning Commission is expected to deliberate on the application in the coming weeks, with the potential for a decision that could significantly impact the church and the surrounding community.