Town Board Approves Bethel Church Rezoning

By Dave Vieser — An extensive modernization plan for Bethel Presbyterian Church in Cornelius, which required a rezoning, will move forward following unanimous approval by the Cornelius Town Board on Monday.

Under the plan, the existing fellowship hall will be demolished and replaced with a new addition. The playground will be relocated from the side of the building to the rear of the property. Parking spaces will also be constructed around the new building to meet Americans with Disabilities Act requirements.

Approximately 30 church members attended the hearing to support the project. In response to a question from the Town Board, Joseph Roy, speaking on behalf of the church, said the congregation plans to continue operating the property as an election precinct during construction.

Some buildings on the property were constructed before the town established its Land Development Code. To bring the site into greater compliance, the church proposes dedicating easements along the Bethel Church Road frontage for future bicycle and pedestrian improvements, installing bicycle racks and adding an internal sidewalk connecting the main building entrance to the existing crosswalk on Bethel Church Road.

The church also plans to plant additional trees along Bethel Church Road and elsewhere on the property.

Roy said construction is expected to begin in February 2027 and be completed in spring 2028.