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News on the Building Program - April 2010

The final design of the building portion of the modified West End is almost complete.  However, we've recently learned that the special land use permitting process is going to take longer than expected.  Therefore, we have adjusted the timeline to accommodate Washington County's permitting procedures.

When might construction start?

The updated goal is to start construction this fall.  We will concentrate on the building portion of the project during the late fall and winter months and leave much of the site work until spring or summer when weather conditions are more favorable.  Our goal is to have a completed facility by late August 2011.

Do we have a final cost estimate?

We are expecting the updated construction cost estimate based on the final design.  Stay tuned; when we have final costs, there will be further news!

So, what will happen this summer?

As a separate project, the Facility Team is considering moving forward on     construction of the administration/office area expansion.  This work will reconfigure the administration area to provide an office for our Associate Pastor, a better reception area, and space for the financial officers.  The office area needs to be   completed prior to demolition of the West end.

Tell me more about the permit process

The special land-use permit application will be submitted shortly.  Then the county will have 120 days to act on the permit.  However, prior to accepting the    application and starting the 120 day clock, they may send the application back to us for additional information or clarification.  This process could take up to 45 days.  Assuming all goes well, we will have the special land use permit in September 2010.

Why do we need a special land use permit?

The county is requiring a Type III special land use permit because we will be expanding our parking onto the ¾ acre vacant parcel to our East.  The expanded parking areas is required to meet occupancy building codes.  Part of this parcel of land now houses the Community Garden.  (The Community Garden will be relocated to another section of St. Andrew property.  We are not getting rid of the Community Garden.)

Do we foresee any hang ups with the permitting process?

Other than the additional approval time needed, we are aware of no other Washington County requirements that will delay us further.

Don't we need a building permit too?

Yes, a building permit is also required.  Once Washington County begins the approval of our special land use permit application, we will be submitting our plans to begin the process to obtain a building permit.  This building permit process can be done in parallel with the special land use permit process.  On July 1 the fees for certain aspects of building permits go up, so we are targeted to beat that deadline.

Can we start construction before we get the special use permit or the building permit?

No, major construction or site work starts only after until a permit is granted.

Please remind me about whom I can contact with my questions, comments or concerns?

The members of the Facility Team are:

Bob Buchholz, Chair

Larry Vachal

Claris Poppert

Paul Haslach

Carolyn Cornie

Jennifer Trom

Pastor Mark Brocker

Fran Mack, Parish Manager