What was titled as “old business” on the Haddonfield Zoning Board agenda at its March 17 meeting garnered new attention from the board and residents. The issue is a parking lot set to be located next to the First Church of Christ Scientist.
The church, at 355 Kings Highway East, has been attempting to gain a use variance and site plan approval to construct a parking area with handicapped parking and a ramp to the building for more than five years.
“It seems like there’s been way too much fighting over a little problem,” said Haddonfield resident, attorney and church member Jack Phillips.
The church previously purchased a lot on Sylvan Lake Avenue, demolished the building on the lot, and planned for the lot to become a fully-functioning, church-only parking lot. The board granted approval for the lot at the meeting, in a 5–2 vote.
The church has been operating for 82 years without having direct access for worshippers with disabilities. A permanent lot would eliminate the stresses that physically handicapped members have when trying to find nearby parking, which can be especially difficult when the high school has events in close proximity to the church, supporters of the lot said.
To make the lot more visually appealing, the church plans to use a special synthetic overlay on grass, which will not only protect the grass, but also allow for the lot to have proper water drainage, unlike many cement lots in town.
The church would also install an Evergreen tree border. The border would stop surrounding houses from experiencing light pollution from lights, when the lot is in use.
The church submitted a list of other stipulations in regard to the lot to make the lot less invasive to residents living near it.
Still, decreased property values and safety were both mentioned by residents as issues that may spring up with the creation of the planned lot.
Appeals for the approval for the parking lot may be placed until July.
After a certain number of appeals, the parking lot issue will reach the board of commissioners and possibly could reach superior court.
“The church is ready to fight it out for as long as it takes … if they can’t properly worship, they can’t get inspiration, and that’s an issue,” Phillips said.
“New business” on the meeting agenda involved the residence of Trang Bonnette, at 46 Centre St. Bonnette submitted an application for the construction of an addition to the front porch of the residence.
The next regular meeting of the board will be April 18, at 7:30 p.m. in Borough Hall.
