Changes to church's construction plans worry neighbors

A church's change in plans for a new building at the site of an abandoned mall has neighbors worried. Southland Christian Church wants to create another parcel of land at the site on Richmond Road to either lease or sell. That change would reduce the size of a pond on the property more than was already planned.

This morning the city's Planning Commission reviewed the amendment. People who live near where the new church is being built say the reduction of that pond could increase problems they already have.

"All the storm water drainage in this watershed comes through our neighborhood. From Liberty Road, Richmond Road, Woodhill, it's a massive amount," said James Capley Jr., president of the Idle Hour Neighborhood Association. They oppose the new plan but Southland's construction engineers say the change would take runoff from nearby neighborhoods into account.

The technical committee chose to postpone a decision on the plan so a subcommittee could review it. "They need some more technical information to see if this revision that's proposed is still consistent with that approval that FEMA has given," said Planning Manager Bill Sallee.

The proposal goes to that subcommittee next Thursday. It will then be presented to the full Planning Commission on March 8th.

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Changes to church's construction plans worry neighbors