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Questions and Answers on Our Property Search
By CRCC | February 22, 2006
Gary Miller (Board of Trustees Chair) and Pastor Reed held a church-wide question and answer session after church last Saturday.
The initial portion of the session contained an introduction and PowerPoint presentation given by Reed and Gary. In this presentation (download PDF printout) they discussed the land search process goals and decision-making process. Chief among the goals was that we as a church family must see understand that this whole search process is a tool in God’s hands to form us spiritually as well as shape us with regard to ministry function.
That being said they requested that the congregation pray that God’s will would be clear, either by closing the door tightly on this land we now have under contract (see below for a definition) or by confirming that we should move forward and purchase it as a church family.
In summary of the presentation, Gary and Reed shared that this land is ideally located for maximum visual exposure in the Troutdale area. It is located at 801 NE Harlow Place (map) and has easy access into and out of the sight. Additionally, it is a relative bargain at around $185,000 per acre. Furthermore, the site contains enough ground to grow the congregation past 1000 attendees per weekend.
Initial response to the presentation was quite positive.
After the presentation a question and answer session began:
Question 1:
“Being located near the airport may mean noise nuisance, have you thought about this?”
Answer 1:
There are several ways in which we’re tackling this issue. We have been in contact with the Port of Portland noise abatement unit and have requested existing noise contour studies and planned airport traffic changes at the Troutdale strip. Additionally, we are contacting an acoustical engineer to do a noise study on the parcel as part of our comprehensive feasibility assessment. An interesting side note was shared as well. The contact with whom we’re working at the Port of Portland had been in recent conversations with his friends about Columbia Ridge! It is interesting how God is preparing the way for this time of discovery.
Question 2:
“Given the location, one concern for me is security, have you considered this?”
Answer 2:
The board has discussed this issue from before we even presented an offer on the property being evaluated. The board has discussed the need to factor in security technology and personnel into the operational cost of the facility to be built. Furthermore, as this property is located at a major crossroads for individuals in the community and for those who travel for a living it present major ministry expansion opportunities that we’ll need to discern together. As part of our feasibility studies we are contacting churches across the nation who are currently located in similar contexts, seeking to gain insights into the assets and liabilities of such a location with regard to both security and mission potential.
Additionally, the point was made that through Side by Side God is attempting to expand our concept of ministry (that is who we reach) and the context of ministry (that is, how far we reach). One benefit of this parcel is that it would place Columbia Ridge at a crossroads allowing the ministry to travel, if you will, much farther than throughout the East County area…as it travels down the interstate highway system.
Question 3:
“Is there public transportation available to church location?”
Answer 3:
There is at present a bus stop within easy walking distance of the church property. Additionally, the Troutdale Transportation System Plan projects more bus stops to be developed in the future that could serve as additional access points to the property.
Question 4:
“What size of a building are we trying to build initially?”
Answer 4:
The board’s wisdom at the moment, after researching various options, would be to plan for a phased development of the property. Essentially, this would be a plan to put a 14,000-16,000 facility on the property which would have seating for 350 in addition to classroom space. It would be situated on the property so that future expansion could be accommodated easily, if growth requires it. The facility mentioned above would house our worship services in a multi-use type of space, suitable for worship services, fellowship events, and other large group gathers for youth, adults, or community events.
Question 5:
“You said we have the property ‘in contract’ what does that mean?”
Answer 5:
At this point having a property “in contract” means that the seller is obligated to sell us the parcel with the agreed upon terms (price, timeline, etc.) should we find it feasible with regard to development. In the initial period of such a contract (where we find ourselves now) the buyer has time to complete appropriate due diligence tasks like engineering studies which factor into the feasibility of future development on the property.
Question 6:
“What kind of building are we going to build in three years?”
Answer 6:
The specifics of the building structure will be hammered out in 2007. At this point we’re praying for guidance on the land purchase, which is the first step in our journey toward erecting a church home that would serve the community. The next step, the one referenced in this question, will be come to a decision on the exact design of the structure. The final step will be to build and occupy that structure, using it to its fullest extent for the ministry to which we’ve been called.
Question 7:
“When we move into our own facility, will we have Saturday night services or Sunday services?”
Answer 7:
The ministry staff feels led to pursue the ideal of not one or the other of these options, but both simultaneously. Holding both a Saturday evening and a Sunday morning service will allow us to reach out more effectively to more people, leading people in worship at a time most convenient for their family. The development of a ministry plan as to the specifics of how best to launch a Sunday morning service are in the beginning stages of development.
Question 8:
“Will the congregation vote on the number of services?”
Answer 8:
There will be no formal vote on this as we’re not considering removing an worship time option; instead, we’re planning on adding one. It is likely that any “vote” therefore, will be informal as people will likely “vote with their feet” – that is, they will choose the service offering that best fits their schedule.
Should you have any further questions, please feel free to contact the church office.
And remember, please keep in mind that we are all to pray for God’s hand to move clearly in this in 1) shaping our hearts and mind for his and the world’s benefit and 2) in helping us know how best to move forward in faith.
Topics: CRCC News |
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