GreerToday.com reported NewSpring's venture into Greer last week, after its closing on the former Hot Spot on Hwy. 14 that completed the acquisition.
The Board of Zoning Appeals unanimously approved, 6-0, the variance for the 65,000-square foot non-denominational church. It will be the fourth campus for NewSpring that has churches throughout the state.
The sanctuary will have seating for 1,400 with Sunday and Wednesday services.
Architects and engineers who presented the parking request did not indicate the cost of the church or when completion is projected.
Glenn Pace, City Planning and Zoning coordinator suggested all NewSpring churches want their own campus for its nine churches. Matt Hydrick said four of the nine campuses are self-sustained. Greenville members meet at the TD Convention Center and Spartanburg members meet at the Expo Center.
Pace told commissioners and NewSpring representatives, “Greer Memorial is a pattern we would like to emulate (in landscaping). Having landscaping on both road fronts (Hwy. 14 and Buncombe Road) would help soften the impact of the large parking lot.”
“We will do more than required,” Hydrick said. “I know we will meet the minimum requirements and go above them. We want to maximize the acreage we have for parking.”
“I am comfortable we will meet and exceed what we are requested to do in landscaping,” Hydrick said. He said approval for landscaping allows engineers to begin planning for the site.
Hydrick said the request for an all asphalt parking lot is to provide solid footing for members and visitors when inclement weather exists. “We hold ourselves to a very high standards with cleanliness, people walking and parking.
Perry Noble is the founding and senior pastor of the non-denominational NewSpring Church of South Carolina. The church averages 22,000 people during weekend services at its seven campuses – Greenville, Anderson, Charleston, Columbia, Florence, Greenwood and Spartanburg. A Clemson campus is also being discussed.
Other points of interest representatives mentioned:
• NewSpring contracts with law enforcement to provide traffic control at the end of Wednesday and Sunday services.
• The city requires one parking space per four people at New Spring. Church representatives said most vehicles have 2 passengers per vehicle at best and most times one, averaging 1.5.
• The Department of Transportation will conduct a traffic impact study.
• No traffic system will be required for traffic entering or exiting NewSpring. Two entrance/exit points are planned on Buncombe Road and one on Hwy. 14.
• NewSpring closed on the former Hot Spot property last week to complete the acquisition for the property.