Locust United Methodist Church?s plans to build a new, larger churchhinge on whether the Howard County Council permits more parking.
However, the congregation has plans for a 300-seat church; the church has outgrown its 1951 building, which has only about 100 seats.
“Without [parking] relief, we would not be able to do the new church,” said David Carney, the church?s attorney.
The proposal would allow religious facilities to have parking across a public road from the main building. In this case, Freetown Road bisects the church?s five-acre property on Martin Road in Columbia.
Currently, religious facilities cannot have parking across a road from the main structure.
The planning and zoning department has recommended that the County Council pass the bill.
“This is an older church. This will offer more parking, so the church can continue to be an active part of the community,” said County Council Member Calvin Ball, D-District 2.
Ball said many county parking regulations need to be revised.
“We do need to take a fresh look, and get a new perspective on those laws that are on the books. We need to make sure they meet the needs of today?s Howard County, and more importantly, tomorrow?s Howard County,” he said.
Locust United Methodist Church was founded in Columbia in 1870.
What?s next?
The Howard County Council will vote on the bill at 7:30 p.m. June 5 in the Banneker Room of the George Howard Building on Court House Drive in Ellicott City.
