Potomac United Methodist Church met with its neighbors last week, addressing concerns raised at the last meeting about plans for a new two-story parish house of about 30,000 square feet.
The church plans to expand its community building, breaking ground in spring 2003 in what is expected to be a 10- to 12-month project.
The project's architect, William Doggett, redesigned plans for the proposed parish building and displayed them to church neighbors on Wednesday, June 19. The new design incorporated issues raised by the church's neighbors at the intersection of Falls and South Glen roads.
Concerns included the height of the roof, the size and appearance of walls facing out into the neighborhood and preserving and replacing trees on the site, among other things.
George Barnes of the West Montgomery County Citizens Association said his primary concern was "the neighborhood impact, and encouraging the church to consider the neighbors' concerns, which they've done."
"We still feel a strong commitment to the community," said the church's pastor, Rev. Jack Ewald, who said that the church's neighbors were invited to share their thoughts and concerns about the project.
"IT IS A LARGE PRODUCT," said Doggett of the proposed building. "It's about one-and-a-half to two times in footprint as the building we're in."
Nels Ackerson, a resident in the church’s neighborhood, said several issues were originally of concern, including the height of the building and its roof.
Doggett varied the lines of the roof in the new design. The enclosed triangular walls of the gabled roof "will have a softer impact on the elevation of a building," according to Doggett. Some neighbors had felt that the sloping ends and sides of the original roof design blended poorly with nearby residential buildings.
The building’s proposed height was also lowered four-and-a-half feet.
"Some of the [proposed] wall surfaces that face South Glen Road have been bare and stark," said Ackerson, an attorney practicing in Washington, D.C.
The original T-shaped building plan "has taken a twist and a turn," said Doggett, with an extension and a recessed courtyard. Two parking-lot entrances from South Glen Road and a driveway into the church cemetery were rerouted.
Trees and buffering along the property line remained a concern of neighbors. Doggett said that some existing trees on the property were diseased, and would need to be replaced with healthy ones. Several area residents suggested planting hedges or replacing an existing fence along the church boundary.
Although a specific lighting plan is not in place, Doggett said he envisioned enough lighting for security without glaring to the surrounding neighborhood.
A VARIETY OF ACTIVITIES take place in the parish building, ranging from Sunday school classes to ballet lessons to a preschool. The existing structure was built in 1956, according to Ewald.
"When this building was built, the congregation was so small that two grades would meet in a single classroom," said Carol Armstrong, chair of the church’s building committee. "Our facilities no longer serve the number of people who come here."
"Over the last seven years, we have experienced tremendous growth," said Ewald. "This building was impacted greatly… At this point in time, it is entirely too small."
The church has a long history. "There has been religious activity on this property since the late 1700s," said Pastor Jack Ewald. "It was once the only church in town."
Accessibility for people with disabilities is another major issue with the new facility. The parish building, which stands on sloped ground, has seven different levels.
MEMBERS OF THE CHURCH and its neighbors expressed satisfaction with the redesign of the parish house.
"I feel very good about it, and I think it's an ongoing process," said Doggett. "We wanted to be proactive from the very beginning."
"The roof lines are much less imposing," said Barnes. "They've broken up the big expanses of wall … It's better than the original design."
"I’m very pleased that the church is being such a good neighbor," said Ackerson.
Construction will take place Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. through 3:30 p.m., said Doggett, with the possibility of some work on Saturdays.