GOLDEN — A controversial expansion of a large south Jefferson County church has been reluctantly approved by county commissioners.
Today’s rezoning will allow The Rock South Baptist Church, 10393 W. Alamo Place, to construct a 16,000-square-foot youth center and a parking lot west of the current church building.
Residents of the Westridge and Relections subdivisions have fought the rezoning, contending the church already is too big for the surrounding neighborhood and causes parking and traffic problems.
“I have serious reservations,” said Commissioner Kevin McCasky, who voted for it.
McCasky explained that the proposal “puts us between a rock and a hard place” due to a difference of opinion between the church and county about whether its vested property right allowed it to build the center, and possible legal issues.
Joining McCasky in approving the rezoning was Commissioner Jim Congrove, who didn’t comment about his position.
Commissioner Kathy Hartman was direct in her opposition. The Rock’s expansion will make it “ten times as large as any similar church in the area more than 500 feet from a major right-of-way,” she said.
Hartman added, “This is a travesty for the neighborhood. I think this is a wholly inappropriate use. No.”
Church officials have agreed to have people directing traffic during peak worship and activity times and to allow Westridge Elementary School to use the planned parking lot for drop-off and pick-up of students.
Ann Schrader: 303-278-3217 or aschrader@denverpost.com.
