The Campbell Reporter

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Home Church wants to stay in Campbell, city also wants them

By Cathy Weselby

In an act of faith bolstered by the reputation of the Home Church, the Campbell Planning Commission approved a permit that would allow the house of worship to remain at its Winchester site indefinitely.

The planning commission voted 4-2 to allow the church to use its current site indefinitely for worship, recreational activities, classes and meetings. The 4.3-acre property is in an old shopping center on Winchester Boulevard and Latimer Avenue.

The church has expanded since it purchased the northernmost portion of the property in 1981, and it is in escrow for the remaining building, which is owned by Keon Vossoughi.

"We are talking about Home Church, people that we know," said Commissioner Bob Alderete. "I think we have a very long track record with the church, and I have faith and believe they are going to accomplish their goal."

However, two of the commissioners, Bob Roseberry and Michael Rocha, opposed the unlimited-time permit, concerned the church might grow and decide to relocate. Rocha and Roseberry feared a new tenant might not be a good neighbor.

"I know they are a dynamic group, and if they don't get what they need out of this location, then the recreational activities, meetings and classes could revert to a different use," Roseberry said.

He pointed out if the church procures the rest of the parcels, then the city could amend the conditional use permit from limited to permanent status.

Mike Millen, a church member, told the commissioners, "A church's very mission is to make the city a better place. We are worthy of a permanent conditional use permit."

The church's current five-year permit is set to expire in May.

Resident George Cash did voice a complaint to the planning commission about the existing lighting in the parking lot. Cash, who lives in the adjacent Wesley Manor, a senior living facility, complained the lights shine into his 10th-floor apartment at night.

The lighting on the property dates back 20 years to when code requirements for parking lot utilities were not taken into consideration. The lights are also antiquated, and there is a limit as to what can be done.

Planning Commissioner Tom Francois said the conditional use permit requires the lighting not glare onto adjacent properties.

The Home Church and city planners also told the commissioners they would work with Cash to mitigate the problem.