LIBERTY TOWNSHIP — When big-time religion came to this rural Liberty Township neighborhood, some residents saw the light - and squinted in irritation.

        Not out of spiritual objection but in reaction to the glare from bright parking-lot lights activated during the construction of one of the largest churches in the Tristate — the new Princeton Pike Church of God.

Princeton Pike Church of God looms over a Liberty Township subdivision, many of whose residents have raised concerns about traffic and outdoor lighting. (Michael Snyder photo) | ZOOM |

        The Hamilton-based Pentecostal church has constructed a massive, hilltop house of worship at the southwest corner of Ohio 747 and Milliken Road in the small, country community of Maus Town.

        Standing almost five stories high and encompassing more than 75,000 square feet, when it's completed the church will cost about $15 million and will be among the top five largest Church of God congregations in the nation.

        But longtime Maus Town resident Tami Wagner said the church's bright new future has outshone the neighborhood's once-pristine view of the night skies.

        “We had to hang a black blanket over our bedroom window to block out the light so we could sleep,” said Ms. Wagner. “I really don't have any problem with the church, but it's their lack of consideration.”

        Church officials said they have since toned down the lights that illuminate the large parking lot on the church's 100 acres.

        Fellow resident Pam Wright said she can see the difference in night-time lighting but has her own worries based on squeezing almost 4,000 church-goers onto the hilly, two-lane roads that lead to the new church.

        “Our main concern now is the flow of traffic,” said Ms. Wright, who lives across the street from the church.

        Church officials acknowledge there was some initial neighborhood friction during the soon-to-be-completed construction phase. The church is to open on Easter.

        “We want to be good neighbors,” said Wilburn Powell, chairman of the church's building committee.

        Besides lowering the outdoor lighting, Mr. Powell said the church will install turning lanes on Milliken and 747, as well as constructing a deceleration lane on 747. Moreover, Butler County sheriff's deputies will help control traffic on Sundays, he said.

        “We don't want to upset these people. But sometimes people don't like change. We're proud of our new church and we want the community to feel welcome to visit it,” he said in reference to plans to allow the Lakota School district, and other groups, to rent the spacious church auditorium.

        Eventually the church, which was established in 1928 and is at 2470 Princeton Road, will feature a school, gym and a home for unwed mothers, said Mr. Powell.
       

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