The proposed expansion of megachurches in Riverside County has residents irritated by the enduring disruption that the church can bring to quiet residential areas.
Founded in 2007, Living Truth Christian Fellowship in Corona has been gaining popularity for many years.
Church administrators are now calling for expansion. The Planning Committee meeting revealed the proposal for a two-storey, 55,000-square-foot church at 3475 Hillside Avenue in Norco.
The quiet two-lane street is located in a countryside with rows of houses. Marie Houch has been living nearby for 62 years.
The proposed megachurch will be built next to her house. She says it brings countless issues like noise, pollution, traffic, crowds and more.
“My property value is declining, so others do so too, because no one wants to buy it near such a church,” Heiss told KTLA’s Shelby Nelson.
3400 block of Hillside Avenue, Norco, where the proposed Christian Megachurch could be built. (KTLA) Some residents are opposed to the proposed megachurch built in a quiet residential area in Norco. (KTLA) Site at 3475 Hillside Avenue, Noco, where the proposed Christian megachurch could be constructed. (KTLA) Planning for a new church complex for the Living Truth Christian Fellowship in Noco. The proposed features of the two-storey 55,000-square-foot church include 700 seating capacity, classrooms, playgrounds and more than 200 parking spaces. (Living Truth Christian Fellowship) Plans for the new church complex of Norco’s Living Truth Christian Fellowship. The proposed features of the two-storey 55,000-square-foot church include 700 seating capacity, classrooms, playgrounds and more than 200 parking spaces. (Living Truth Christian Fellowship) A property located at 3475 Hillside Avenue in Norco, where the proposed Christian megachurch could be built. (KTLA) Site at 3475 Hillside Avenue, Noco, where the proposed Christian megachurch could be constructed. (KTLA)
She and other annoyed neighbors shared similar feelings.
“Noise,” Haiti said. “I have no intention of living a peaceful life here anymore.”
In a video uploaded to the church’s YouTube channel in February 2024, Senior Pastor Michael Lantz revealed the blueprint for the new church. The four acres or more features will have 700 seating capacity, select classrooms, play areas, over 200 parking spaces, overflow areas and additional amenities.
Hillside Avenue’s neighbors are also unhappy with the development being used at a low density of farming and being built in residential areas where traffic is zoned rather than in busy buildings.
However, there appears to be an exception to Norco – written in local government codes, the church has religious freedom and can be built in residential or commercial areas as long as it has a conditional use permit applied for.
Despite pushbacks from some neighbors, many others said they were excited that the new location will be built.
A city meeting to address proposals and residents’ concerns is scheduled for May 14th. If the proposal is rejected, church officials may choose to appeal the decision.
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