The Clifton Heights Zoning Hearing Board voted 3–0 on Nov. 25, 2025, to grant a use variance allowing Potter’s House Church (Act 1 Inc.) to convert a vacant residential parcel at 360 North Oak Avenue into a parking lot for the church.

The action, approved after the board admitted proof of publication and posting evidence, allows the church to lay out a minimum of 41 parking spaces on the parcel the congregation purchased and cleared this year. Chair and board members moved and seconded the motion, and the recorded yes votes were Humphreys, Lombardo and Danes. The board said it will issue written notice of the decision from its office.

The applicant, Pastor John Overson, told the board the church bought the property in December and estimated the purchase price at about $850,000. "We purchased the property... I think, for $850,000 and, obviously, it was in need of a lot of renovation and demo and different things," Overson said, describing work including HVAC, plumbing, bathrooms and handicap access. He said the parcel that included the house has been leveled and graded and that a new 22-foot entrance and exit would be installed to provide safer access.

Overson said on-site parking was limited previously to roughly 15 spaces, creating safety concerns for larger vehicles and emergency access. "It's dangerous for, fire trucks getting in and out of there," he said, and noted traffic and pickup/drop-off challenges with a new nearby school. The church's plan, he said, would yield roughly 41 stalls (8 by 18 feet each) and, combined with street parking, should meet current needs for services that seat about 175–200 people.

Zoning officer Mr. Gould confirmed the board's public notice and posting requirements were met, stating the hearing was advertised on Nov. 11 and Nov. 18, 2025, and that the property was posted on Nov. 7, 2025, with flyers distributed within a 500-foot radius. The chair admitted photographic evidence and the public notice copy as exhibits.

Overson told the board the church does not intend to rent the lot to commercial entities and said congregation members were present in the hearing room to show support. The chair also noted the attendance of council members Suzanne Brittis and John Gorman from the district.

The board's approving motion authorizes the parking use as presented; the board indicated written notice of the decision will be mailed from its office the following day. The hearing concluded with thanks from the applicant and brief closing remarks.