WEST CHESTER TWP. — After some residents objected, plans were denied for a 6,000-square-foot church on the northwest corner of Duane Drive off U.S. 42 just south of Pisgah.

        The Lighthouse Missionary Baptist Church of Roselawn wanted a conditional use permit for a church building and a 50-space parking lot on 1 1/2 acres at the corner of the Meadow Hills subdivision, which has about 100 homes, according to township staff.

        But the Board of Zoning Appeals turned the request down in a 5-0 vote Wednesday evening after agreeing the church would be too large to sit in the quiet, tree-filled area.

        Board members also were concerned about the number of cars it would draw, particularly at big events such as weddings.

        “It doesn't have the fit and feel that looks correct,” chairman Michael Duane said. “It's way too big. I don't see anything else we can do to make this one fit.”

        Several neighbors objected to the proposal for a variety of reasons, including reduced property values, more traffic and more lighting. They also were concerned that removal of trees during construction would bring more flooding onto their properties.

        “When word travels there is a church there — and traffic is bad enough already — it will deter people from looking at the area,” Laura Haas said.

        Other citizens stressed that removing the trees from the site would further blight the area, which suffers from heavy traffic as motorists zoom in and out of Pisgah, the township's oldest business district.

        The land has been on the market for more than a year. Lighthouse Pastor Jim Phelps said the church is searching for property to build in the area to be centrally located to the church's 34 active members, which include residents of Clermont and Hamilton counties along the Interstate 275 corridor.

Best path to mission is by bus
Bishop's words restore some faith
Priest won't retire, will replace bishop
Flag Day takes on a new poignancy
Add first lady to the guest list
Alleged robber's widow sued over stolen money
City's downside spelled out
Douglas cites his concern for city
Drownings claim two toddlers, woman
Five gardens on display during tour
Minority students' test scores improve
Obituary: Jerry A. 'Jay' Ruberg, 73, founded Jay Tool & Die Co.
River Sweep planned Saturday
Survey: Traffic Blue Ash's one downer
Tristate A.M. Report
BRONSON: Enhance me
SMITH AMOS: Traffic ruckus
WELLS: Keep printing
City works to shape image
Sewer plan survives - for now
W. Chester rejects church as too large
Zoning rejection may kill project
Judge pushes back Traficant sentencing
Highlands sports fees may go up
Kentucky News Briefs
Ky. gets three of new federal scenic routes
UK researchers test lung cancer vaccine