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Planning commission recommends City Council approve Hosanna Church expansion at 418 E. McElroy Road
Summary
The Stillwater Planning Commission voted 3-0 to recommend that City Council approve SUP25-05, a specific use permit to allow a second Hosanna Church building at 418 East McElroy Road in an RSS (Small Lot Single Family Residential) zone; staff said the permit brings the site into compliance with the comprehensive plan.
The Stillwater Planning Commission voted 3-0 Tuesday to recommend that City Council approve SUP25-05, a specific use permit allowing Hosanna Church to build a second structure at 418 East McElroy Road.
Planning staff told the commission the land development code permits churches in the RSS (Small Lot Single Family Residential) district only with a specific use permit and that the proposed permit would bring the existing church property into compliance and align the site with the city’s comprehensive plan, which designates the location for commercial uses. "The land development code does allow for churches and religious institutions in the RSS District with a specific use permit," staff said, adding that staff recommends the commission accept findings and recommend approval to City Council.
Seth Mathis, identified in the record as the church’s senior pastor, said Hosanna Church has owned the site for more than 20 years and is seeking to build a new adjacent building for children’s ministry and fellowship activities. "We have families that just weren't comfortable seeing their kids across the street," Mathis said, describing traffic and safety concerns that prompted the church to sell an off-site property and use those proceeds to fund the new structure.
A congregant, Zach Hale, spoke in favor during the public hearing, saying, "I go to church at Hosanna and I would love to see a bigger building." No members of the public spoke in opposition.
Following staff’s recommendation and public comment, a commissioner moved to accept the findings and recommend City Council approve the specific use permit; the chair seconded the motion. The commission recorded a 3-0 vote in favor and no votes in opposition.
The commission’s action is a recommendation; the City Council will make the final decision. The commission noted the application could be revisited at its next meeting on Oct. 7 if additional action is needed or new information is provided.
