Grant Park Neighborhood Association

The GPNA Issues

Grant Park Church

GPC Task Force Contacts:

June 2007 - draft Good Neighbor Agreement

The GPNA Board had voted on November 7th to support granting a conditional use (CU) permit to "legalize educational programs that have been introduced" at Grant Park Church, with the understanding that a Good Neighbor Agreement would result from continued open dialog between the church, PICS (the alternative high school) and concerned neighbors. At the last GPNA General meeting on Tuesday, December 5th, a majority of members present voted to oppose granting the CU permit. An unfortunate incident involving the display of an Airsoft handgun, and requiring a police response, on Monday, November 27th, galvanized the opposition of many neighbors living close to the church.

The CU permit hearing was held on November 22nd, before the Hearing Officer, Ian Simpson. At that time, the public comment period was to be closed on January 18th. But, due to the level of opposition voiced at our December 5th general meeting, it was agreed that the comment period be extended for at least an additional 90 days to allow time for dialog between neighbors, the church and PICS. The extension was granted and April 18th is now set as the deadline for submission of any arguments or evidence.

At the December 5th GPNA General meeting the GPNA Board was requested to reconsider its support of the CU permit. The consensus was that neighbors did not want to participate in a GPNA recommended mediation process managed by Resolutions Northwest. Instead they opted to organize their own ad hoc "task force" which has now met twice and has scheduled their next meeting for February 8th. One or more GPNA Board members have been in attendance as observers to assist in keeping the Board informed of progress.

During discussion of this subject at the January 2nd GPNA Board meeting those neighbors in attendance felt that Board reconsideration of its earlier vote was premature considering both the ongoing dialog by the "task force" and the extension of the deadline for comments to the Hearing Officer. Updated information will be available at our next General meeting.

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