There Goes the Neighborhood…

On our journey from portable to permanent we have met a number of people along the way. Some of those people live in the immediate vicinity of where we plan to construct a church facility. Some of those people are concerned about the impacts a project like this will have on their neighborhood and their way of life. Can you blame them?

As in many growing communities, churches have no place that is set aside specifically for them. They are not welcome in areas set aside for commercial or industrial uses. They are typically competing for land that is at the edges of residential development and along major traffic corridors. This land-use scenario often brings churches into conflict with residential neighbors who have concerns about traffic, noise and light, and other impacts of the operation of church in their neighborhood. These are the very same neighbors the church is hoping to serve in their new location.

Since the conflict is inevitable, the best hope for peaceful church/neighborhood relationships is found through open dialogue. This dialogue can bring a perspective to the project that may be lacking from the church’s vantage point. It is an opportunity to rub elbows and learn from each other.

Of course, there can be unreasonable expectations. There are always the proverbial N.I.M.B.Ys (Not In My Back Yard). However, it should not be assumed that anyone who voices a concern over scope, scale, sight and sound is an enemy. They may be a constructive critic who deserves to be heard.

By the way – a “for sale” sign just went up on the property adjacent to my back yard. You can bet I’ll be keeping an eye out for developments – and raising my voice if necessary to protect my sight lines and noise levels.