By Alan Lytle
Lexington, KY – Vineyard Community Church, which is headquartered a few blocks over on Winchester Road, wants to relocate to the old school grounds along Henry Clay Boulevard. Fairway Neighborhood Association president Valerie Ashkren says many residents don't like the plan.
"You know, this is where we live and when we all moved here, bought houses, and decided to locate in Fairway there was not a church there. And so, it's not as if we moved into the neighborhood knowing what we know now might be a possibility down the road."
Among the concerns raised at the public meeting were traffic congestion, parking headaches, and church outreach programs that could have a negative effect on property values. Vineyard Community Church Lead Pastor Kevin Clark says the evening went pretty much the way he expected.
"I wasn't disappointed in the crowd. I wasn't disappointed in their questions or concerns. I was just disappointed in, in the church, and how much influence we've lost."
Clark says he understands residents' concerns about a church that serves the poor and marginalized setting up in their neighborhood and reiterates that Vineyard has no plans to open a soup kitchen, homeless shelter, or anything like that.
Meanwhile, a full house is expected next Friday when the Lexington Board of Adjustment hears public testimony regarding the church's application for a conditional use permit. If approved, the church has agreed to purchase the property and building for One point five million dollars.