LONGMONT, Colo.—LifeBridge Christian Church has abandoned its effort to persuade Longmont to annex 350 acres where the church plans to develop homes and retail space and build a 6,000-seat sanctuary.
Church leaders said Thursday the prospects for annexation dimmed after November election victories by City Council candidates who doubted whether it was a good deal for the city.
“It appears that the new City Council members, based on their public statements, have a different vision for Longmont than the past City Council,” said Martin Dickey, chief operating officer of 4C, the megachurch’s business arm. “We’re not sure where (the development) fits into that vision.”
Lifebridge, with about 3,300 congregants, currently has a 100-acre campus on the city’s north border. It bought land in Weld County, on the city’s east edge, to expand.
The City Council approved the annexation in August, but opponents gathered enough petition signatures to force a public vote. Opponents expressed doubts about whether the development would generate enough taxes to pay for city services.
Lifebridge, has about 3,300 congregants and a 100-acre campus on the city’s north border. It bought land in unincorporated Weld County east of Longmont to expand.
Mayor Roger Lange was disappointed by the church’s decision dropping annexation.
“My preference would be that if the development is going to happen, that it would happen in the city, because I feel there are benefits associated with it,” he said.
Councilwoman Karen Benker welcomed the news. She said the council needs to focus on revitalizing within existing city boundaries.
“I don’t think this is the right time for large-scale developments on our periphery,” she said.
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Information from: Daily Times-Call,
