Love Thy New Kent Road Residential Neighbor?

City Council voted on the side of 170 residents who signed a petition in favor of rezoning property that Christ Community Chapel in Hudson is interested in building a church on Thursday night.  

"This Stow congregation of Christ Community Chapel is only 3-years-old, but we have a 30 year history at our Hudson campus," Pastor Rick McKee said. "The Stow congregation already meets in south Hudson ... that's not good for Stow residents, we want to move that congregation into Stow." 

The property at 3904 Kent Rd. was rezoned from industrial to residential. Churches can only be built on residentially zoned property. 

While many were happy with council's decision, like Kevin Wingard, who sold the property to the church, there was some opposition to the rezoning. 

"I'm not opposing this because it's from church, I would stand before you for any rezoning request," said Christina Gary, who lives close to the property. 

Gary said she knew that there could be worse things built on the land besides a church, but noted that a church does not have regular business hours. 

"Hours of operation are not business hours and they conflict with the enjoyment of my backyard," she said. "Imagine 400 people coming into your backyard every Sunday morning."

McKee told council he and the church have no plans to go onto anyone's property and there are no plans to have a nursing facility or day care.

"We will give every effort to be good neighbors, I mean, I have commandments to that affect," the pastor said.

The church will present plans for the property to the planning commission before any work is done. Check Stow Patch for updates.