Bethany hearing on church at Russell Road continued after neighbors cite parking, drainage and record inconsistencies

The Town of Bethany Planning & Zoning Commission on July 8 continued a public hearing on an application by Stillwater Community Church to occupy 43 & 51 Russell Road as a place of worship, after neighbors objected to what they described as inconsistent records, unresolved drainage and parking issues, and potential impacts on the narrow, residential Russell Road.

Samuel Taubel, who identified himself as the pastor representing Stillwater Community Church, told the commission the congregation currently numbers about 50–60 people, holds corporate worship at 10 a.m. Sundays and will maintain offices off-site. Taubel said weekday activity at the Russell Road property would be limited and that the fire marshal had provided a maximum-occupancy determination for the building; he asked the commission to approve a special permit to change the building’s use to a house of worship.

“Right now, our congregation is made up of just over 50% of Bethany residents,” Taubel said, adding the church is prepared to accept conditions such as attendance limits or requirements for parking management.

Neighbors urged the commission not to act until the record was clarified. Stephanie Wilde, who said she works in regulatory affairs, reviewed the property’s permitting history and told the commission that in June 2025 the site had been presented as a low-intensity industrial use with a maximum of five occupants per day. She said subsequent documents show different parking counts and an as-built plan that appears inconsistent with prior approvals.

“The record must be complete, consistent and supported by evidence,” Wilde said. “This decision is not about intentions — it’s about whether the evidence before you is sufficient to support the findings required for approval.” She warned the change to a 180-person assembly represented a large increase in intensity.

Builder representatives and church members disputed some of the complaints. Developer Bill Greger said the drainage system and landscaping are being installed as approved and invited town staff to review as-built photos. Church representative Kim Bridal and Deacon Karen Santavo said the applicant submitted documentation the church believes demonstrates compliance, and Pastor Bill Cushing said the congregation has grown from roughly 30–35 people to an average of about 50–55 in the past year.

Commissioners said they would verify the record — including the fire marshal and QVHD documentation, parking plans and any inland-wetlands filings — and asked that public commenters upload documents in advance of the next hearing. The commission moved, seconded and voted unanimously to continue the public hearing to the commission’s next meeting on Aug. 5, 2026.

The commission’s next steps include staff verification of permits and as-built materials, possible follow-up with the Inland Wetlands Commission on any newly identified wetland areas, and a request that parties supply photos and technical documents ahead of the continued hearing so commissioners have time to review evidence.