Another church will make the village of Groveport its home.
At its June 23 meeting, Groveport Village Council approved an ordinance to grant a use variance to Kingdom Life Christian Center to operate a church at 220 Main St. The building, which once was home to a pharmacy and later an exercise center, was previously zoned as "planned shopping center."
According to Kingdom Life Christian Center Pastor Steve Bulen, the church began five years ago after splitting off from a church in Reynoldsburg. For the past few years the church has been holding services for its approximately 50 members at Hoover Y Park.
"It will be nice to have a home," said Bulen.
Church member Tim Beeker said about 25 percent of the congregation is made up of people from the Groveport area with the remaining members coming from around central Ohio.
Groveport Economic Development Director Jeff Green noted that, according to Groveport codes, the requirement for parking at the location is one space for every three seats.
"Present parking capability for this building is 27 spaces, which is sufficient for the group’s present needs," reported Green.
Beeker told council that, if the church grows, plans would be to possibly add multiple services, add on to the building, or find a larger location. He also stated there are no plans to change the parking situation or to make significant alterations to the building’s exterior.
"We’re here first and foremost to serve," said Bulen. "We want to help improve the lives of families. We hope to work closely with the other churches in the community. There’s strength in working together."
Building fee increase approved
Council approved incrementally enacting an increase in its building and zoning fee schedule.
The action calls for a 15 percent increase in the fees now with plans for raising the fees another 15 percent over a future period of time.
Chief Building Official Stephen Moore said the fee increase puts Groveport in line with what other communities charge and enables the village from having to subsidize the building department out of the general fund.
The increase came as part of a recommendation in a study of the village’s fee schedule by Springsted Incorporated. The complete study, including the new building and zoning fee schedule, is available for public view at the Groveport Municipal Building, 655 Blacklick St.
The village’s last building fee increase was in 2003.
Other Groveport news
•Green reported that Duke Realty and the Columbus Regional Airport Authority have nearly completed construction of a 936,000 square foot building located on Spiegel Drive adjacent to the Exel/Toys R’ Us and Whirlpool facility.
•Repairs are completed on the suspension bridge over Little Walnut Creek at The Links at Groveport golf course. A new wood surface is in place and the bridge is straighter. Approaches to the bridge were also improved.
