2009-92 REZONING PROPERTY - 901 NORTH MAIN STREET

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Therefore, we are requesting city approval to install our new sign with a maximum height of 17 feet at the peak. (Please see rendering and measurements on "Proposed Sign Detail'pages. Approximate sign location is designated on the `Proposed"site plan diagram by this symbol--0.) 2. New building for The Economy Shop alon Main Street,just south of our Main Campus. Having just celebrated the 35�' anniversary, The Economy Shop is one of the oldest resale thrift stores in Decatur. The Economy Shop sells donated clothing and household goods. The proceeds from this ministry are used to help fund our Television Ministry. The Economy Shop is currently located at 965-967 North Water Street in a B-2 zone. There is no parking in front of the shop on Water Street. The only parking area is behind the shop in a small, rough, inconvenient lot accessed only by the alley. Also, because of traffic flow, many Decaturites do not even know the shop exists where it is located. We propose to construct a new building along the west side of North Main Street immediately south of King Street, south of our main campus. Primary access would be from Main Street. Parking for patrons would be in front of the building. Parking for volunteers and for dropping off donations would be in the rear. We would intend this to be an attractive building with decorative brickwork similar to our church building and probably a lighted sign on the front of the building. Measurements are yet to be determined, but we would not want it to be less than the approximately 3000 feet of the current shop. 3. Bell Tower. During demolition of our former church building, we saved the great bell from the bell tower. This is a bronze bell approximately 42 inches in diameter. We want to build some sort of open structure to house and protect the bell. This structure would become the center-piece of our front lawn area. This area is being landscaped into a "park" or garden area. The bell structure would be surrounded by a paved patio area (bricks or concrete), benches, and additional landscaping. Initial plans are being drawn, but are not yet finalized or ready to submit for approval. It is hoped the bell can be made functional again for use on special occasions. (Please see "Proposed"site plan diagram for approximate location.) 4. Improve lighting for front parking lot. We are working with local contractors on options to improve lighting in our main parking lot. In order to attract people to downtown church events, we need not only to have an attractive, welcoming campus, we also need to present a safe, secure environment. For evening events, that means ample lighting. While we currently have lighting in the parking lot, we intend to upgrade the poles and fixtures to increase light levels. 5. Main parking lot expansion. We are considering paving and striping the area at the corner of Church and Marietta of our main campus for additional parking. We may also consider paving an area along Marietta where we currently have a fenced garden. Grace United Methodist Church Petition for Rezoning from R-6 to PD Justification—Page 2 of 3