Summit zoning hearing on Beacon Unitarian plan at 695 Springfield draws neighbors' concerns over parking, shelter and trees

The Summit Zoning Board of Adjustment on March 17 heard hours of testimony and public questions on Beacon Unitarian Universalist Congregation’s proposal to build a new sanctuary and campus at 695 Springfield Ave., but did not reach a final decision and carried the application to April 7 for additional testimony.

Roger Maynor, the applicant’s attorney, told the board the plan would let the congregation consolidate services and add on-site parking and green space. “The present proposal really addresses everything that the church has been trying to solve for a long, long time. It would be one modern sanctuary. It will have seating for 300 people,” Maynor said, describing a flexible seating plan and a design that includes outdoor contemplative spaces and solar arrays. Maynor identified the site as the former American Red Cross property and said the church would sell its current building if the project moves forward.

The congregation’s senior minister, Reverend Dr. Robin Tanner, provided background on the church’s size and programs, saying, “We have 454 members and friends.” Tanner and other witnesses described weekday uses (small spiritual groups, children's programming, choir rehearsals) and said the congregation expects most activity to be contained on-site except for occasional larger services, memorials and holiday services.

Neighbors and other members of the public raised multiple concerns during a lengthy question-and-answer period. Questions focused on the applicant’s request for numerous variances, traffic and parking spillover on nearby streets (Oakley, Beekman and Springfield avenues), the loss of trees on the site and the proximity of the project to Wilson Primary Center, a school that abuts the property.

Several speakers asked about programs for people experiencing homelessness. A member of the public asked whether the new facility could be used as a shelter or for large day programs. Reverend Tanner and the applicants said the congregation does not plan to operate an overnight shelter at the new site and noted the Summit Warm Hearts day program that currently uses church space is scheduled to move off site; Tanner said the church does not house anyone overnight at present and described sanctuary hosting as rare and short-term. The applicant indicated it would accept a condition limiting the operation of any congregant-run homeless shelter on the property.

Board members and the board’s technical experts flagged several technical issues the applicant still needs to address: the extent of tree removal and replacement plantings, whether the on-site parking count and layout will prevent spillover into residential streets, lighting and hours of operation, and whether the project’s proposed solar canopies (over parking areas) comply with residential zone rules. The applicant has submitted a traffic/parking study and other professional reports; the board asked that witnesses including the project architect, civil engineer, landscape architect and traffic engineer appear at the next session.

The hearing was continued by motion. The board set a continuation date of April 7 to resume testimony and public questions. The board also handled several procedural items at the end of the meeting, including votes on unrelated applications and an earlier adjournment request from a separate applicant (27 Edgar LLC).

Votes at a glance: - 695 Springfield Ave., Beacon Unitarian Universalist Congregation — hearing continued to April 7, 2025 for further testimony (motion carried; roll call recorded as all voting members present voting yes). - 27 Edgar LLC (adjournment request) — motion to carry with notice to July 21, 2025 carried (recorded tally: 9 yes, 1 abstain). - Two routine zoning resolutions (Oak Knoll School application 24-2234; John & Elizabeth Cully application 24-2268) were approved by roll call at the meeting’s close.

Why it matters: The project would relocate a long-established Summit house of worship to a site that is smaller than the residential zone’s typical lot expectation and would require multiple variances for lot size, setbacks, parking and related matters. Neighbors said the application could affect on-street parking, school safety perceptions and neighborhood character if conditions and technical details are not resolved. The board is continuing the hearing to let the applicant supply additional expert testimony and to give the public more opportunity to question witnesses.

Next steps: The Zoning Board will resume the hearing on April 7. The applicant is expected to present additional expert testimony (architect, civil engineer, landscape architect, traffic engineer and planner), updated plans and responses to staff memos; the public will have more time to question witnesses and comment.