Newberry Gives Nod to The Citadel Family Church

NEWBERRY ‒ The Newberry Board of Adjustment has approved an application by The Citadel Family Church, Inc., for a special exception to permit a church in a Residential, Single-Family (RSF-2) zoning district.  This item was also recommended for approval by the Planning and Zoning Board on March 6. 

The property is located at 145 N.W. 257^th Street, consists of 0.24 +/- acres and was originally used as a Methodist Church.  Most recently, it was used as a Masonic lodge meeting hall.  The 3,348-square-foot building was constructed in 1950 and is a contributing structure for the City’s Historic District. 

The property fronts the westbound segment of the Florida Department of Transportation project for the two-lane, one-way pair split for State Road 26/West Newberry Road. 

Items brought up in discussion included concerns about adequate parking and noise impacting neighboring residents.  Reverend Arraelieus Garrison explained that there are only four families in the congregation and, if attendance increases, he has already spoken with another neighboring church that could accommodate overflow parking.  

He explained that his sermons are not loud, but said he was planning to hold a barbecue on the grounds to introduce the church to the neighbors.  Otherwise, his sermons would be inside the building.  No tent revivals would be held outside, he said.

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