By Anna Guido
Enquirer contributor

LIBERTY TWP. - Lakota Christian Church can expand.

The board of zoning appeals Tuesday voted 3 to 2 in favor of the 27,000-square-foot addition.

It was the second time in four months that church officials asked the township for a conditional use building permit needed for an expansion.

The first plan was unanimously rejected Jan. 14 because it was not compatible in size and scale to adjacent property.

"Obviously, Woodmoor Terrace is very disappointed by the decision of the board of zoning appeals," said Margy Conditt, president of the Woodmoor Terrace Homeowners Association.

"It clearly affects our property values, and I think they set a bad precedent in allowing churches to expand that close to a residential area," Conditt added.

Lakota Christian Church is on 15 acres along Hamilton-Mason and LeSourdsville-West Chester roads. The 40,000-square-foot, two-level church was built in 1993 and expanded in 1997.

Construction is expected to begin in 30 days and should be complete by February or March of 2004, said Barry Shelley, chairman of the church elders.

Combined attendance at the two Sunday services is about 900 and represents a 48 percent growth since 1998.