Council approves conditional-use permit for place of worship at 5370 Ash Street

Forest Park — The mayor and council approved a conditional‑use permit Dec. 1 to reestablish a place of worship at 5370 Ash Street in Ward 4, after a public hearing in which the new owners described renovations and neighborhood commitments.

Planning staff told council that the property previously held a conditional‑use permit in 2023 and that the new ownership triggered a re‑establishment request. The planning commission recommended approval with seven conditions intended to protect neighborhood character: a use limitation specific to operation as a place of worship; compliance with building, fire and life‑safety permits prior to occupancy; parking and traffic management (including options for variance or shared parking); limits on hours and noise (regular activities limited to 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. unless otherwise approved); property maintenance and landscaping buffers; sign permit compliance under the city sign ordinance; and periodic compliance reviews with the right to modify or revoke the permit for failures to comply (city code section referenced by staff).

Pastor Gregory Kelly, who identified himself as the new owner, told the council the congregation bought the property in June, has started interior remodeling and plans exterior parking improvements; he invited council and residents to visit the site. No speakers registered formal opposition during the public hearing.

Council moved to approve the permit, and roll‑call responses recorded the councilmembers present as voting in favor of the motion; the council approved the CUP with the recommended conditions.

Next steps: staff will issue the permit documents and monitor compliance with the listed conditions and the required permits before occupancy if set out in the conditions.