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North Coast Church likely to break ground in December
By: SHAYNA CHABNER - Staff Writer | ∞
VISTA ---- After more than half a decade of shopping for property, working with the city and juggling lawsuits, North Coast Church is ready to begin work on its 40-acre mega-church complex in north Vista, church officials said last week.
The initial grading on the triangular-shaped parcel, sandwiched between North Santa Fe Avenue and Guajome Lake Road, is likely to start by mid-December, said Charlie Bradshaw, the church's executive pastor.
The work will include brush clearing and erosion-control projects, as well as traffic control and street improvements for areas surrounding the property.
"The bottom line is, we plan to move dirt in December, and we are excited about that," Bradshaw said.
Grading would be the first step of the church's 20-year, phased development plan for the site.
The first phase of construction, which includes grading, public improvement, 950 parking spaces and five buildings totaling about 100,000 square feet of usable space, is expected to take between 16 and 20 months, Bradshaw said.
The five buildings will house the main sanctuary, a couple of smaller worship venues, educational classrooms, a midweek preschool, a kitchen and some of the administrative offices, he added.
The initial construction, landscaping and traffic control projects are expected to cost the church about $48 million. Figures for the total, 20-year project were not available.
North Coast has a building permit allowing it to eventually grow the complex to include nine buildings with some 365,000 square feet and 2,300 parking spaces.
The additional four buildings would include a K-12 school, a caretaker's residence, more administrative offices and a commercial office for support services, as well an expansion of the main sanctuary.
Those future projects will depend on the church's needs and the number of congregates, Bradshaw said.
North Coast welcomes about 5,600 worshipers each weekend at its present location, an industrial-commercial complex at 1132 N. Melrose Drive, about two miles south of the relocation site.
Permits pending
For now, the church has two grading permits for the site that are currently pending with the city. One would allow for the initial brush clearing, minor grading and public improvements, and the other, more detailed, permit is for the building pads, City Planner John Conley said.
The city reviewed both permits earlier this fall and returned them to the church for minor erosion-control revisions. The city is waiting for them to be resubmitted for the final approval, said Greg Mayer, a city engineer who approves grading projects in the city's Planning Department.
Bradshaw said that church officials planned to have the grading permits and three of the buildings construction permits to the city before the holidays, which would mean they could possibly begin work on the property as early as the first week of December.
"We just want to get started as soon as possible," he said.
If all goes as scheduled, the church plans to begin building in the spring and hopes to be moved into the new facility in the later part of 2008.
"We are making positive progress," he said.
Previous challenges
Construction on the land has been stalled in the past by formal complaints from a local, nonprofit neighborhood group that launched a vigorous campaign against the church's development plan.
The group ---- Guajome Alliance for Responsible Development, which is dedicated to the preservation of the city's rural Guajome area ---- raised concerns about the project's impact on the environment and the community, in two lawsuits filed in 2001 and 2004.
The first complaint followed the Planning Commission and City Council's approval of the new facility in 2001. The church's application to use the land did not include an environmental study when the city approved it, so the alliance sued to require one.
The church voluntarily had the study and submitted a second application, instead of litigating the matter. The city reapproved the new land use plans.
In June 2004, the alliance filed its second lawsuit, claiming that the City Council did not take into account the extent of impact the project would have on the surrounding community and environment.
This matter, however, was laid to rest in a settlement reached between the city, church and alliance in January 2005. The settlement permitted the church to move forward with the project, as long it would delay construction on the K-12 school facilities for up to 10 years, notify residents about any work beforehand and agreed to not develop the property beyond the city-approved plans, Bradshaw said.
The church also agreed to put several thousand dollars toward a county traffic study and attorney fees for the nonprofit group.
Melinda Craft, a resident of Guajome Lake Road and an alliance member, said that the group was just trying to protect their "little country neighborhood."
"We worked the city of Vista," Craft said. "We did everything we could to change them."
Craft said that residents were happy that some concession were made, but are still concerned about traffic and how the buildings, especially the two-story parking structure, will obstruct their views and ocean breeze.
Bradshaw, however, said he hopes the church and neighbors will continue to move forward together. He added that some of North Coast's worshippers also live near the new site.
"We have always wanted to be good neighbors," he said. "We want to be and plan to be."
Contact staff writer Shayna Chabner at (760) 631-6604 or schabner@nctimes.com. Comment at nctimes.com.
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Just what we need wrote on Nov 19, 2006 9:42 AM:Here we go another moron breeding ground. Let's start taxing this lang so these churches contribute something positive to society.
To Let's start Taxing wrote on Nov 19, 2006 10:46 AM:As long as we are on the subject of taxing, why not tax illegal aliens? I don't see too many churchgoers committing crimes against the community in which they live, and most of these people pay taxes. But, Cities like Vista seem to welcome illegals into their community then complain about others not paying their fair share in taxes. So, then they pass a sales tax to punish the local businesses and drive them into the neighboring cities. Of course with people that think Churches should be taxed, when they don't even pay attention to the fact that this church is already in Vista taking up valuable commercial space that could be generating tax revenues, well is it any wonder that we are in the mess we are in? A large church such as this brings people from surrounding communities into Vista for many church functions, and all these people eat and shop. So, if you are brining some 5000 people into Vista every weekend, and have good restaurants, and shopping near by, you are bound to generate significant tax dollars (that is, IF you haven’t chased all the businesses out by raising taxes on them first). No, property tax on a church will generate you little or nothing. But, taxing the illegals (at an estimated Vista population of 25,000) could bring in big bucks!
Exactly what Vista needs. wrote on Nov 19, 2006 10:46 AM:"Just what" has incredible ignorance of Christianity and it's positve influence on all society everywhere even despite failures of a few. Crime rates drop, giving to the poor and needy climbs dramatically, education both religious and general improves and many other positve benefits. I recomend that "Just what" visits that church on a Sunday and look at and interact with it's members. Perhaps hatred will flee your heart and ignorance will be replaced with true knowledge and understanding. History proves that despite some horrible things done by Christians or people falsey claiming Christianity the Judeo Christian impact on mankind is and remains the best benefit and hope for mankind. Study all of world history and know the truth, I have. Know all the facts before deciding is always smart.
To--Exactly what Vista needs wrote on Nov 19, 2006 5:32 PM:He, he, he this church and other churches have been in existence for some time so why would you claim that crime rate drops, you give to the poor and needy, and education improves, and churches have many positive benefits? Do you know what Vista is surrounded with? Dozens and dozens of churches and the positive things you mentioned are nowhere near the city of Vista to the contrary the churches look the other way!!! God help us you have the worst school district in the entire COUNTY!!! The barrios full of roaches and vermin, plus hundreds of people scamming off welfare, not to mention some of the worst gangs and drugs. Hum, I think I visited your church ONE time and it was NOT friendly, sorry knowledge and understanding means nothing when you are not doers of the WORD!!! If churches have so much knowledge, spirit and Gods power why in the world are they the most racially segregated places? Lets not forget Jesus said that in the end times many will come to him and say Lord did we not prophesy and expelled demons in your name, didn’t we do all those wonderful works in your name….what was Jesus response to them?
Sally wrote on Nov 19, 2006 9:00 PM:I think all these church people are broke after they tithe!!! This is the only thing that I can recall from church title, tithe, tithe and you leave the church with empty pockets and empty hearted. So I don’t think these people will be doing any shopping outside of their church.
North Coast has been good to me wrote on Nov 19, 2006 9:38 PM:I have had first hand experience with North Coast Church! What they have done in my life and the lives of my family is HUGE! Thank you North Coast for being willing to live through the persecution and keep doing what is good and right! You touch lives in a positive way every day!
Obviously wrote on Nov 19, 2006 11:12 PM:Obviously you did not attend NCC if you found it segragated and unwelcoming. If you are of the mind to love our Ord and savior, then be welcome in our love and join us in worshipping our Lord. God Bless you and yours, and God Bless America. For at least here we are free to worship as we see fit, without fear of retribution.
Obviously wrote on Nov 19, 2006 11:12 PM:Obviously you did not attend NCC if you found it segragated and unwelcoming. If you are of the mind to love our Lord and savior, then be welcome in our love and join us in worshipping our Lord. God Bless you and yours, and God Bless America. For at least here we are free to worship as we see fit, without fear of retribution.
God is good wrote on Nov 20, 2006 8:46 AM:I am glad you spelled LORD correct I was lost of words there for a second. Persecution humm, imagine what you will be saying if you were truly persecuted? I guess I can justly say Christians will persecute me every time I will drive through the MEGA churches and have bumper-to-bumper traffic. Dr. Vernon Magee once said, “my beloved even Satan goes to church.” So I figure there is no need to go there, but I do have to say God is good! He is able to love us all and search our hearts.
Wow why such anger, wrote on Nov 20, 2006 2:47 PM:I was raised Catholic, but did as I chose and still do, but why are you so down on the church? I did and still do attend NCC occasionally and I really enjoy the sermon. Pastor Larry is an excellent speaker. I was always interested in the Bible and I learned a lot from him. The music is great too! I was taught not to judge a church or religion by a couple of people. Why do you blame the church for the condition of Vista? I know when I go to church I feel better because it reinforces the values I was brought up with. The sermons are basic day to day teachings that help make me a better person. As for the tithing why should you come out with money in your pocket? I am sorry you had a bad experience Sally. I know God has blessed me over and over again. As for the church being unfriendly…did you come in with a hostile attitude? Also racially biased? I am of Mexican descent and have seen many Mexicans and Blacks.
To Sally wrote on Nov 21, 2006 7:22 AM:If you serve only money, then tithing will be a problem. And if you expect others to fill your heart, then you will remain with an empty heart. If you set our to serve others with only the desire to walk in the footsteps or our Lord, then you will find your heart full of love and wealth will no longer be of any concern as you will be wealthier than all those serving their own interests. Welcome NCC, and keep serving our Lord: Jesus!
where are the blogs/ wrote on Nov 21, 2006 1:35 PM:Just because the North County Times is a right wing newspaper does not mean that ALL the readers are right wing too. So post all the blogs!!!
Right Wing??? wrote on Nov 22, 2006 7:03 AM:And just how many of the endorsed candidates were Democrats? Hmmm...Yes, that's right, most of the positions these people were running for were non-partisan, so the NCTimes just looked at the issues and not the party affiliations. Rrrrriiiiight... No, only the owner happens to be a conservative, but thanks to our liberal Universities, the clear majority of the writers and editors ar leftwingers!
to- Right Wing wrote on Nov 22, 2006 5:27 PM: Please the "Publisher" not the owner of the North County Times he is Right Wing well connected CONSERVATIVE you are correct. Regardless of the party affiliation of the reporters the PUBLISHER sets the rules, edit the stories, chooses the stories, censures stories, make a story go away, ulter it, spin it, and runs the paper how ever he pleases so the political affiliation of the REPORTERS means absolutely nothing here.
Build NCC - Rise Against wrote on Oct 14, 2007 3:57 PM:This church is exactly what Vista needs. Without North Coast, Vista would be without hope. Look around people. Answer this. Churches all around proclaim Jesus, but where are all the Satanist churches? We know that these exist and are functioning around the world, growing in numbers and strength everyday. If you believe that Jesus Christ is Lord, then you believe in the Bible as truth. The Bible clearly states that Satan is real and that this Earth is fallen to the control of him. Knowing this and knowing what is coming in the near future, according to the book of Revelation, it is safe to say that there is a hidden agenda in our country and its government, as well as every other country around the world. I don't claim to know everything, but a few things are obvious. Audacity is not believing something to be true, simply because it sounds to outrageous to believe. You've probably heard about them at some point in your life. Surely you've seen the signs and symbols all throughout society and media. Vista is home to a large number of these people. There are signs all over. The temple is across from the library. The network extends through many different branches, and is known by many names. I'm talking about f r e e m a s o n s . Study into this subject. Most who are involved, do not know what is going on at the higher levels of there society. Not a secret society, but a society with secrets. I know that there are a good amount of these people present around town and holding positions as higher ranking officials in this town. Look at the dedications at VHS and the adult school across the street. Start with that as proof. Anybody who denies there existence or agenda is hiding it themselves. BELIEVE THAT. I'll be surprised if this letter actually stays posted online long enough to inform you of these things. It's up to you. Jesus Lives and will conquer over all in the end. ...
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