BR

While I agree with your timeline, I do not necessarily agree that it is a forgone conclusion that cc will loose the case.  Remember, the Becket Fund will defend CC for free using the Federal RLUIPA law as its legal basis for action.  Also, part of that body of law provides that the looser of the case must provide recompense for the legal costs of the Plaintiff - - - a most unusual situation in my understanding.  So, no matter what happens ultimately, the Becket Fund wins and ire-land has absolutely nothing to loose.  As a matter of fact, he stands to win the RT lottery. 

I think that some of this stuff with A$$holes biblical basis for 4 tall towers and our towns inteference with this aspect of the application will be an element of the RLUIPA case - - - albeit, just one element.  He will claim that our zoning laws are interfering with his right to free expression of religion because of these things.  But, in reality, it is just a red herring in my view.  The longer that we prolong this thing, the more irelands cash register for damages is clicking upwards.  So, I think that we just have to stop the nonesense now.  JMHO. 

" think that some of this stuff with A$$holes biblical basis for 4 tall towers and our towns inteference with this aspect of the application will be an element of the RLUIPA case - - - albeit, just one element.  He will claim that our zoning laws are interfering with his right to free expression of religion because of these things.  But, in reality, it is just a red herring in my view.  The longer that we prolong this thing, the more irelands cash register for damages is clicking upwards.  So, I think that we just have to stop the nonesense now.  JMHO. "

Craig Daniel,

At the last pb meeting, Mr. Dimin asked very clear questions to determine if cc ' needed' these multiple towers in their old building.  It was obvious that if they stated, 'yeah, we've got 4 towers now', that Dimin would have backed off.  His point seemed to be "if your religion did not call for multiple towers in your old location, then it is clearly an architectural decision and not a religious need".  I think he made his point very well.

you guys may find this site of interest

http://www.churchexecutive.com/2003/09/Zoned_out_Stand_you_ground.asp

http://www.churchexecutive.com

I found this passage very interesting:

1. Check the local zoning code (or codes) when you are looking for property.
   
   It is better to be in a zone where churches are permitted by right than in a zone where you need to obtain conditional use approval from a zoning board.
   
   If you are in a zone as a permitted use by right without prior approval, any future accessory or secondary uses of the building will be better protected.
   
   
   
2. Watch out for changes in the local zoning code.
   
   If you are in a permitted-by-right zone and that zone changes, your present uses will be "grandfathered" in, but future accessory uses might become more difficult.
   
   Become politically active and aware where zoning laws are concerned.
   
   

This entire article as very interesting.  I do think it a bit strange that the author suggests meeting with town officials one on one and buying them lunch - that seems potentially unethical in some cases.

Happy New Year to all!

Lisa

This was found on the same site as noted above:

To accommodate growth (current membership is around 9,500), NHCF has had to increase the number of weekend services at the local high school and, for overflow services, obtain an outdoor tent structure (which seats an additional 750 people) and a 27-foot by 36-foot viewing screen.

Ahu says NHCF has considered building a new worship facility, but, at roughly $100 per square foot, land in Oahu is cost prohibitive. "To build an entire facility with sufficient parking we would need around $80 million," Ahu says, "and right now we want to keep our focus on ministry."

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Take a look at your church décor. Is it consistent with your overall brand? Does it enhance and emphasize your overall message? It should. Whether you want to admit it or not, your lobby furniture is communicating to your guests even before they sit down for a worship service.

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On September 12, 2004, thousands of people from the city of Woodstock, GA, and elsewhere witnessed the grand opening of a colossal construction project built at a budget of $64 million. It's the First Baptist Church of Woodstock's new worship center, a 185-foot-tall, fan-shaped building that has seats for 7,500 people and parking space for 4,700 cars. The span of the structure from side to side is over 300 feet. Two escalators move people quickly from one level to another. Circular corridors on two floors, like those seen in stadiums, wrap the worship area. Children walk safely across a bridge that connects to a parking lot.

(do the math that is 1.66 people per car)

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The point of my posting: How big can a Mega Church get - in reality.  All you need do is look above.

Lisa

The reference above is a "church exec." publication.  Many people have opinions as to what the growth may be, some may be right on target, others too low or too high. The quotes above are simply a true world account of what IS.

Nothing more nothing less.