From a Builders Square to a church

Rendering, Grace Christian Church, Sterling Heights, Michigan
Originally uploaded by rllayman.

The proposed conversion of this failed big box store in a shopping center in Oakland County Michigan raises a number of issues for the City of Sterling Heights. First, they are concerned because of the loss of property tax revenues. Even closed, the building generates a minium of $27,000 annually. And when open, sales tax revenues as well.

Second, similar to issues in DC over mixed use commercial districts, not to mention compact development, when schools are often located near commercial streets, it would make it difficult for new establishments to sell liquor. (Technically the solution is to eliminate this provision from the law, due to the First Amendment to the Constitution and the doctrine of the separation of church and state.) In DC, it's more an issue with schools, although churches are organizing opposition to such.

From "City weighs church plan: Grace Christian wants to move into Builders Square site, but proposal presents tax problems," in the Detroit News:

Locating a church in such a heavily commercial area also raises questions about what can operate nearby. Several restaurants that serve alcohol are already located fronting the center. Planning guidelines normally call for businesses with liquor licenses to be at least 500 feet away from churches.

Since the restaurants are already in place, they would not be affected by the church's arrival, said City Attorney Jeff Bahorski. But it is unclear what will happen if new restaurants or clubs look to move in to the center in the future.

Index Keywords: urban-revitalization