Commission approves $65,000 to connect Russell Baptist Church lots after long dispute over Sand Ridge Road median
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Summary
After months of negotiations, commissioners voted 4–1 to allocate $65,000 from road funds to connect two parking areas and construct a milled access at Russell Baptist Church, with the church agreeing to handle parking‑lot restriping.
The Board of County Commissioners voted 4–1 on July 22 to provide up to $65,000 to create a parking‑lot connection and millings access at Russell Baptist Church in Lake Asbury and to perform a curb cut. The move follows months of discussion after median modifications on Sand Ridge Road altered the church’s existing vehicle access.
County staff and church representatives presented multiple options considered by a county team that met repeatedly with Pastor Chad Week and church leaders. Options included (1) leaving the planned west‑side median opening as previously designed, (2) funding on‑site improvements at the church (connect the two parking lots, parking‑lot restriping, and create an access from the Cross Creek entrance using asphalt or cheaper millings), (3) creating a restricted left turn at an eastern driveway only, or (4) converting the whole corridor to a continuous bidirectional left lane (the most expensive option, requiring extensive redesign, larger cost and additional conflict points).
Pastor Week said the church preferred option 2 as a practical, lower‑cost solution that preserves access for worship services, sports events and large gatherings. Staff provided contractor estimates for option 2 ranging from about $77,000 (if millings are used for the Cross Creek connector) to roughly $107,000 (if full asphalt subbase is used). After discussion, Commissioner Burke moved to fund the parking‑lot connection and millings/curb cut for $65,000 from District 5 road funds, with Russell Baptist Church to arrange and fund the parking‑lot restriping and other on‑site costs beyond that amount. The motion was seconded; the board approved the measure 4–1.
Why it matters: Russell Baptist hosts large community events, youth sports and voting precinct activities. The board’s action aims to preserve congregation access and improve visitor safety without revising the Sand Ridge Road median design, which would have involved considerable additional expense, project delay and added traffic conflict points.
Ending: Commissioners said the decision balances neighborhood safety, budget constraints and the congregation’s needs. Staff will draft the work order and coordinate with the church on construction timing and traffic control.