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Commission recommends allowing churches as permitted use in Industrial (I‑1) district
Summary
The commission recommended that the City Council amend Chapter 17 (I‑1) to allow churches as a permitted use; staff said the location under consideration (465 S Clay St) is owned by NCRESA and tax‑exempt, so permitting a church there would not reduce city tax revenue.
The Planning Commission voted July 9 to recommend City Council approval of proposed changes to Zoning Ordinance Chapter 17 (Industrial I‑1) to permit churches as a permitted use. City Manager Jon Schneider said the building at 465 S Clay St is owned by the Newaygo County Regional Educational Service Agency (NCRESA) and "the property and building are currently tax exempt so there would not be a loss of tax revenue to the City if a church was allowed at this location."
Commissioners asked whether permitting churches in the industrial district would open the area to additional religious uses; Clint Abbott, pastor at Better Life Church, said the site is appealing because it is close to residential neighborhoods and the school. The commission voted (motion by Fedell, second by Wight) to recommend the ordinance amendment to Council; the motion carried (AIF/MC).
