By Tyler Lamb
Editor
The Elkhorn Plan Commission recommended approval of a conditional use permit (CUP) for a two-story addition to a downtown church last week.
St. Patrick’s Parish, 107 W. Walworth St., plans to construct a roughly 7,500 sq. ft. addition to the existing parish. The proposal includes removal of the rectory building and a future connection to the Columbus Hall building.
The approved CUP encompasses three elements: site plan, landscape plan and architectural plan.
During its May 2 gathering, commission members approved the parish’s concept plan, including a 35-space parking area.
According to a memo from the parish to the commission, during the past 30 years it has conducted “studies and developed plans to meet its building needs.”
The memo continued by stating, “the (building) committee has reviewed the previous four plans that have been developed and after reevaluating our needs, increased need for space, census, demographics and finances, have come to a consensus the parish should look seriously at developing a plan for our existing church site to meet our needs.”
As such, the submitted plan is designed to enhance the needs of the existing worship space and not intended to expand the existing population of the worship space and ancillary facilities beyond 400, according to the parish.
The approved plans call for the following additions to building facilities:
• Entry/vestibule, presently this space is non-existent;
• Elevator to meet the needs of handicapped, seniors and funerals;
• Toilet facilities to accommodate the handicapped and members of the parish;
• Narthex/gathering space attached to adjacent to worship space, presently this space is non-existent;
• Administrative and general office space. These areas will consist of a pastor’s office, four business offices, a work space, general office area with reception and waiting area, as well as a staff toilet;
• Meetings and conference spaces to house group functions;
• Courtesy room; and
• Fellowship meeting space.
When asked if the parish had a tentative date for groundbreaking, father Anthony Balestrieri said “March 17, St. Patrick’s Day.”
Commission member Julie Taylor was absent.
Other matters
In other business, the commission voted to postpone approval of a CUP for parcels at 9 and 11. E. Walworth St. until its Aug. 8 meeting.
Justin Ehrhardt is proposing an addition to the existing bar/tavern on the aforementioned parcels.
