Resident says zoning delays forced Church of the Lost and Found to close; councilors say staff will follow up

During the public comment portion of the West Carrollton City Council meeting, Talia Butcher, who said she lives at 13 Reddington Court, criticized the city's zoning department and said the Church of the Lost and Found has been forced to close.

Butcher said the church's volunteers ran a food bank and other services and that they faced repeated delays and "roadblocks" when seeking permits and approvals. "The church fed over 15,000 people in need from the time they were open up until now," she told the council, and said the church's food pantry and programs are "shutting down" as of the date she spoke.

Butcher accused "one particular zoning official" of holding a personal grudge against the church and said residents were told requested body-camera footage was not available. She also raised concerns about long-time local businesses near the railroad tracks, mentioning a Dollar General property in that area and saying some owners have been told they cannot expand.

Council members and staff responded during the meeting. A council member said the council had received an email about the church on Jan. 28 and that not all councilors had received that message before the prior meeting; the speaker said staff, including Miss Holloway, had replied and that the council would follow up. A councilor told the public that if residents have concerns they should contact council members directly or use the city's website or anonymous options to report issues.

Council members did not take formal action on the zoning or church matters during the meeting. A council member told Butcher, "I would like to touch base with you," and the minutes record that councilors offered to follow up with staff and the speaker to gather more information.

The comments in the meeting record reflect the resident's account of delays and alleged poor treatment by the zoning department and the council's pledge to investigate and follow up; the council did not record any vote or directive that would change zoning rules during this session.

Background: The Church of the Lost and Found was described in public comment as providing food and other services. The resident contrasted the church's treatment with perceived leniency given to businesses that generate revenue, but no council action or policy change was adopted at this meeting on those topics.