Town Paves Way for Church to Open in Business Park

Churches can be approved in business districts, under a zoning change approved by the Town Board.

The addition begins to pave the way for , 20711 Watertown Road.

Waukesha County, however, will have to approve the town's new zoning change, which could take at least 60 days before RiverPark could seek town approval of its plans.

But Gary Lake, town building and zoning administrator, said Waukesha County already allows churches as a conditional use in other business districts, and he didn't expect any objections.

At a Town Board meeting Tuesday night RiverPark's pastor Jeff Stupar told town supervisors, "Thank you very, very much."

The church still will have to file a specific plan of operation and receive town approval.

Under the new zoning language, churches would have to have a minimum two-acre lot, be at least 100 feet from any residential lot line and submit information including hours of operation and lease length details. 

Town Attorney James Hammes said the town will not lose any property tax revenue because the church would be leasing from a a commercial business park owner who will continue to pay taxes on the building.

RiverPark, which shares space in the  at N4W22000 Blue Mound Road in Waukesha, sought to move into the Goerkes Park Business Center after failing to win approval to .