Neighbors urge traffic study and limits as Planning Board reviews church conversion of former VFW hall

Christopher, of Lab Crew Engineering, told the Planning Board the church application would use an existing 2,407.2 sq. ft. building, provide 19 parking stalls (meeting the code requirement), and add standard site improvements including a handicap ramp, drainage and dark‑sky lighting. He said the pastor plans mainly Sunday morning, in‑person services and online weekday services, and that the applicant would seek a new public assembly permit from the Zoning Board of Appeals for assembly use.

Several neighbors expressed concern about existing neighborhood conditions and the possibility of expanded programming. Celeste Kuzmerski said recent block parties and fireworks had made the interior of her home vibrate, asking whether the church would increase late‑night activity and on‑street parking: "the music 2 weekends ago, my whole inside of my house was shaking from 1 of the residents right across the street." Another resident, Eileen McCarthy, said a nearby RCCG location runs multiple evening services and events, and asked the Board to confirm whether this site would be limited to the single Sunday in‑person service the applicant described. The applicant said he would add fencing, a gate, and would be amenable to covenant restrictions limiting hours if needed.