In a significant turn of events for the San Diego community, the City Council has granted All Peoples Church the green light to construct a new megachurch building, following a contentious debate and a previous rejection. The decision, which passed with a narrow 5-4 vote, allows the church to build a 900-seat sanctuary equipped with 300 parking spaces and classrooms on their property in Del Cerro.
Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera, who supported the project, cited a lawsuit filed by the church against the city as a pivotal reason for his vote. He expressed concern over the potential costs and ramifications of continued opposition. “While it may seem like no big deal to say we will fight this to the ends of the Earth, there are real costs associated with that,” Elo-Rivera remarked, emphasizing the need for practicality in governance.
On the other side of the aisle, Councilmember Stephen Whitburn voiced his opposition, arguing that the property should remain dedicated to residential use amid San Diego’s ongoing housing crisis. “Using residentially zoned land to build a project that has no housing, my view, is irresponsible under the current conditions that we face in our city,” he stated, highlighting the delicate balance between community needs and development.
The church’s ambitious project, dubbed “The Light Project,” aims to provide a new home for its growing congregation. However, this is not the first time the church has faced hurdles; in January 2024, the council initially voted 6-2 against the application after hearing extensive public commentary both for and against the proposal.
Critics of the project, including local resident Michael Livingston from the group Save Del Cerro, expressed concerns over the scale of the development. “It’s just too large, too intense for this particular property,” he argued, referencing the potential traffic issues and the impact on the neighborhood.
In response to the initial rejection, All Peoples Church filed a lawsuit against the city, alleging religious discrimination. Church officials contended that their proposal had received prior approval from the city’s planning commission, which praised the layout and design.
Dan Dalton, the church’s attorney, emphasized the legal protections afforded to religious organizations under federal law, which prohibits discriminatory practices against religious uses. “The law is clear; the city cannot discriminate against a religious use using different rules and analysis from a non-religious project in a similar situation,” Dalton stated.
This recent decision marks a significant victory for All Peoples Church and its congregation, who have long sought a space to accommodate their growing membership. The church’s leadership hopes that this new facility will not only serve as a place of worship but also as a community hub for outreach and service.
As the San Diego community continues to grapple with the challenges of urban development, this case serves as a reminder of the importance of balancing the needs of religious organizations with those of local residents. The outcome may set a precedent for future projects, highlighting the ongoing dialogue between faith-based initiatives and community planning.
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