Update 12-21-07

Last night our project was in front of the City’s DRB (Development Review Board).   The DRB was reviewing our Special Exception as a House of Worship.

Let me explain Special Exception because some people might believe that we are getting special treatment of some kind.  That is not the case. 

A Special Exception is simply new terminology of what use to be called “conditional use” of a piece of property.   This simply means that we have a “special exception” or a “conditional use” to have a House of Worship on this piece of property.   However, any time that you make any changes to the property then you must amend the special exception to include any change that you make to the property.  Since we are adding a new building and new parking then the special exception had to be amended.

Last night the DRB recommended approval for our special exception by a vote of 4-0.  This matter, along with the balance of our zoning changes, will be taken up by the City Commission on January 15th.

At the same time we are in the process of moving all the easements on our property to the west side of the new building.  For example FPL, City, Bellsouth, AT&T, DOT, and American Tower have easements.  We are in the process of having all of them moved over at this time.  The only easement that we are having a difficult time with is American Tower.  Unfortunately, American Tower is attempting to take this opportunity to force us to sign a longer lease for the Tower.  I can assure you that is not going to happen.   I ask you to please pray for these negotiations.  We have retained Cobb Cole as our legal representation and they are working diligently to assist us get everything approved.

We still need many different departments in the City and in the County to sign off on our plans before the City Commission can give final approval.  Just pray for favor with everyone involved. 

I’ll keep you posted on the progress.

Everyone have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!