BOTH SIDES AIR OPINIONS ON CHURCH PLANS

It's easy to see both sides of the comments being made about a large and growing Cape Girardeau church. Many of the residents in the neighborhood where church members want to build are concerned.

The church, First Assembly of God of Cape Girardeau, sees an opportunity to expand on a gorgeous piece of property -- one of the last of its size inside the Cape Girardeau city limits -- suitable for its plans.

And those plans are impressive: A church and day care center with a 1,200-space parking lot. An outdoor amphitheater. A 3-acre lake. Walking trails. A soccer field. Volleyball courts.

Members see those 53.7 acres between Old Hopper Road and Interstate 55 as an early peek at heaven. Imagine Christians flocking there to worship and play together in a pastoral and welcoming environment. Imagine praying while strolling around a lake that reflects the blue skies. Imagine enjoying an uplifting gospel concert surrounded by God's creations.

But area residents are a little more pragmatic.

They realize that roads only hold so many cars, no matter why those cars are rolling along them. After that, things get uncomfortably crowded.

And the residents realize that churches don't build 1,200-space parking lots without trying to fill those spaces.

Right now, the those residents are living in a neighborhood that many other city residents don't even know exists. There is limited access to the homes along Old Hopper Road. There's absolutely no reason for anyone to go back there unless they live in that neighborhood or visit someone who does.

And most folks would rather have 53.7 acres of undeveloped rolling hills as a neighbor than any sort of religious enterprise.

The Planning and Zoning Commission tried to give a little to each side in its July 11 decision. Commissioners approved the church and day care center but nixed the sports fields, amphitheater and lake. And they insisted the church close off Old Hopper Road access once Vantage Drive, which runs along the east side of I-55, is built all the way to the church property.

Church members applauded the decision. Residents saw it as a foot in the door.

Of course, commissioners only make suggestions to the city council. The council can do whatever it wants and sometimes goes against P&Z recommendations.

The council takes up the matter at its Aug. 6 meeting. Certainly, neighbors will be there to make another effort to get First Assembly's total project halted. And church members will be there to push for its success.

And that's the wonderful thing about this country. Not only do we have freedom of religion, we enjoy the democratic process and freedom of speech. This project's progression through city government is the perfect example.