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Commission forwards favorable recommendation for Divine Unity Church rezoning at 1680 Country Club Road
Summary
The commission recommended approval of a rezoning and accepted proffers from Divine Unity Community Church, including traffic limits and right-of-way dedication; city council will review the recommendation on April 8.
The Harrisonburg Planning Commission on March 12 voted to forward a favorable recommendation to city council for a rezoning request for the property at 1680 Country Club Road, submitted by Divine Unity Community Church.
Staff explained the site is currently zoned M-1 and that the applicant seeks rezoning consistent with surrounding parcels and the comprehensive plan’s mixed-use/low-density residential designation. Staff described three proffers submitted by the applicant: a list of prohibited uses (for example vehicle sales/repair and drive-throughs), a traffic generation limit capped at 100 vehicle trips in either the AM or PM peak hour (with an approved traffic-impact analysis required if trips exceed that number and with Public Works allowed to waive the proffer), and a proffer to dedicate an additional 15 feet of right-of-way along Country Club Road to satisfy conditions from a 2009 special-use permit that were never completed. Staff recommended approval.
Gabe Kreider, representing the applicant, told the commission the church intends to use half the building for worship and community activities and to reserve the other half for storage and support functions, and that a potential lease for an athletic use such as a wrestling club would be limited to evenings and would not conflict with service times. “The lease that we’re in conversation about would be for a wrestling club that would be there several evenings a week. So it wouldn’t really change the traffic,” Kreider said. He also noted the applicants are aware any sign in the newly dedicated right-of-way would need to be relocated at their expense.
Commissioners asked how rental activity might affect tax status; staff replied property tax exemptions for religious organizations depend on how rental uses relate to the mission and must be determined by the Commissioner of the Revenue. After discussion, the commission voted unanimously to forward a favorable recommendation to city council. The item is scheduled for council consideration April 8.
