HomeMy WebLinkAbout09 - St James the Great Episcopal Church - Amended LetterATTACHMENT A DECEIVED AFTER AGENDA PRINTED
DRAFT LETTER
March 15, 2017
The Reverend Canon Cindy Voorhees
St James the Great Church
3419 Via Lido #354
Newport Beach, CA 92663
RE: St James the Great Church
Dear Reverend Canon Voorhees:
ITEM NO,
Cl
DATE:— 3 • i q - t "1
The City Council is aware that there will be an ecclesiastical trial on March 28, 2017
related to actions involving the Saint James the Great Church located at 505 32nd Street
and 3209 Via Lido in the City of Newport Beach ("Church Property"). The City of Newport
Beach ("City") recognizes the trial is a religious matter that must be decided by the
Episcopal Church.
While we recognize the trial is a religious matter and''not within the City's purview, the City
does have concerns regarding the future use of the Church Property. Currently, the
General Plan and City's Zoning Code, designates the Church Property as a Private
Institutional use. Private Institutional uses are "intended to provide for privately owned
facilities that serve the public, including places for religious assembly ... and comparable
facilities." Residential uses are not permitted in areas designated in the General Plan for
a Private Institutional use.
When the General Plan was adopted, great care was taken by the City Council to ensure
a mixture of uses to serve City residents. In the past, the Church Property has benefited
the citizens of the City by providing a use consistent with the long term vision of the City.
As you move forward with your plans for.the Church Property, we hope you will carefully
consider the current General Plan designation for the Church Property.
Sincerely,
Diane B. Dixon
Council Member, 1St District
City of Newport Beach, California