Pastor seeks permit to convert 3500 Main Avenue to church; neighbors raise parking, tax concerns

The applicant for a church at 3500 Main Avenue presented a request for a specific‑use permit and described the congregation as a small, community‑oriented group.

"My name is Pastor Kai from the New Cathedral of Faith Church of God in Christ International. We have a small community church, about 25 to 30 elders...We bought it. Now we're asking the city to allow us to to ___ on at the church at 3500 Main Avenue," the applicant said, asking council to consider the use as beneficial to the neighborhood.

Nearby property owners and business operators spoke during the joint public hearing. Tricia Hernandez, who owns the salon next door, said she is concerned about limited parking and possible spillover onto her property: "How are you gonna park for a church in such a small little parking lot? There's literally, like, 10 spots for a 25 to 30 people congregation." Hernandez noted the ordinance requires a minimum of 10 parking spaces but said practical parking could still affect her business and private property.

Council and planning staff asked technical questions about building‑code thresholds and fire‑sprinkler requirements; the planning consultant said the building size is below the threshold that would require a sprinkler system. Council reminded attendees that the planning and zoning commission will meet July 14 to consider the request and will forward a recommendation to the city council for final action at a future meeting.

No council vote or determination was made on July 13; the public hearing was closed and the matter remains pending P&Z recommendation.