Saint Bede Catholic Church has gained approval to continue planning an expansion for its parish hall and administration building.
The James City County Planning Commission on Wednesday voted 6-0-1, with Commissioner Robin Bledsoe (Jamestown), absent to approve a committee recommendation in favor of the Ironbound Road property expansion.
The commission had no discussion before making its decision. The Development Review Committee – comprising five of the full seven commission members – voted 4-0 with one member absent June 25 to recommend the church be allowed to expand.
The church submitted a preliminary plan to the county showing two new buildings next to the main church: one each for administration and a parish hall. During the DRC’s June meeting, representatives said the new buildings would roughly total 37,000 square feet, which would more than double the church’s size.
In addition to the two new buildings, the church gained support for additional parking and another water line for fire safety.
Saint Bede also submitted a request to add two recreation areas, likely a gym or family center and a playground, and a road, but did not receive support for either.
With the commission’s Wednesday approval, the church can move forward with creating a detailed site plan for the new buildings, parking and water line. If the new buildings total more than 30,000 feet when a firmer plan is complete, the plan will go back to the DRC for a recommendation.
At that time — if the DRC gives its support — county staff would approve the final plan before the church could begin construction.
Saint Bede, which owns 42.5 acres of land near Mid County Park, has brought forward other plans to expand its operations over the past 14 years. The county approved a small garden shed and allowed the church’s prayer garden to be relocated. The church also gained support for a rectory, which has not been constructed, and withdrew a plan to build a mausoleum before it could be reviewed by the Board of Supervisors.
Related Coverage:
- Saint Bede Explores Doubling Church Size
- Mausoleum Application Will Be Withdrawn
- JCC Citizens Worry GA Bill Could Mean Mausoleum is a Go
- JCC Notebook: Supes to Meet, Mausoleum Meeting Postponed and More
- JCC Planning Commission Gives Not to Large Mausoleum Plan
- JCC Planning Commission to Review Plan for Mausoleum
