A new Galesburg church is exploring the acquisition of land to build a permanent place of worship on the far north edge of Galesburg. But first, there would need to be a change of zoning in the Gale Village Subdivision on North Seminary Street.
The Ascent Church, which has held services at the Knox County YMCA the past two years, is considering acquiring land to build a church on Gale Village Drive near Aldi grocery store and west of McAlister’s Deli.
According to an agenda item for Tuesday’s City of Galesburg Planning & Zoning Commission meeting, The Ascent is seeking a zoning amendment to rezone 6 acres of land currently zoned R2 Two-Family to I Institutional.
If the Gale Village ReSubdivision No 2 is approved, the intent is for current owner Mike Martin to sell Lot 1 to The Ascent for the construction of a church. The R2 zoning district does allow churches, but limits the seating capacity to 200 persons. The Institutional Zoning District does not have a seating limitation.
The Development Review Committee members reviewed the Zoning Amendment during their Dec. 7 meeting and recommend approval.
Daniel Marlin, a pastor and member of the senior leadership at The Ascent, said the church is in the early stages of looking to acquire the land.
“We’re just looking to purchase some land, so we’re not ready to comment on any building plans, as of right now,” Marlin said.
According to Marlin, The Ascent is “a plant” of the Northwoods Community Church that most recently had a location at 940 W. Fremont St. in Galesburg. He said around 225 people attend services at The Ascent, with special services attracting up to 300 people.
It is anticipated this zoning item will go to the City Council for consideration at their Jan. 17 and Feb. 6 meetings.
If the zoning amendment is approved, the development would not occur until site and landscaping plans are submitted for review by the Development Review Committee and construction plans are submitted for review by the Inspection Division.
In this case, the west property line abuts a residential zoning district in the Costa Drive/Montague Drive area, which would require continuous shrubs across 100% of the yard(s) to a minimum height of six feet. Shrubs installed along a side yard shall be continued into the front yard at a height of four feet. The shrubs shall be at least 50% evergreen and spaced at a maximum of four feet on center. As an alternative, a solid screen may be achieved by providing a minimum six-foot solid commercial grade wood, vinyl or other approved material fence the length of the property with shade trees inside the fence at the equivalent of one tree every 100 feet.
The Planning & Zoning Commission meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Tuesday in Council Chambers at City Hall.
