Global Mission Church Update

The saga continues as Global Mission Church (GMC) attempts to build a 135,000 sq ft mega church off rt 109 in the shadow of Sugarloaf Mountain with little regard for the rural community and its natural and historic resources. Take note: GMC is ultimately seeking a facility in excess of 200,000 sq. ft.!

On March 25th, the Frederick County Board of Appeals (BOA) voted 4-1 to send the decision on the GMC site plan back to the Planning Commission for further proceedings. Despite excellent testimony from residents and FC staff, and supported by a record demonstrating that GMC had ample opportunity to present and discuss their plan, the BOA wanted to give the church more time to meet with county staff to discuss the site plan.

MCA disagrees with the BOA’s decision because:

»The Church had already been granted customary and reasonable staff consultation time.
» Despite being told that the plan would exceed the septic capacity of 4,999 gallon per day, the church has failed to significantly change their plan in any way that would bring it into compliance.
»The Planning Commission voted to deny the GMC site plan because they were bound by law to do so. If the Health Department does not approve a septic system to be associated with a project, the Planning Commission is required to deny the site plan application.

The Frederick County Attorney’s office agrees with us on these points and is seeking to appeal the BOA decision in the Frederick Co. Circuit Court. In the BOA proceedings, County Attorney Wendy Kearney said that this was the most clear cut case for denial of an appeal that she has ever seen. And still, the BOA found in favor of the Church.

What’s Next?

The FC Attorney’s office Petition for Reconsideration is wending it’s way through the process, including a 30 day window for those who may file in opposition. We are monitoring the process closely and will update you when the court decides whether to take the appeal. We understand that parties may file friend of court statements, at appropriate time, in support of the County Attorney’s office. Please update us on any news you may have, including any activity at the proposed building site.

To read previous posts on GMC, click here and scroll down.