Church allowed to use library site

The former site of an Evans library may soon temporarily house a church after the Columbia County Planning Commission unanimously approved a rezoning request for the property during a Thursday meeting.

Genesis Church officials want to rent the former Warren C. Gibbs Memorial Library building at 326 North Belair Road until a permanent location can be found.

Planning commissioners decided that the 1.6-acre property, zoned professional, will allow for the conditioned use of a church.

The non-denominational church will conduct a Sunday worship service and children's programs at 10 a.m. and a student program at 6 p.m. It will provide about 200 seats for its members in the 2,564-square-foot sanctuary. Four classrooms in the building will be used for Sunday school, and the church's administration will occupy three offices Monday through Thursday.

"We're going to be driven by small groups," said Chris Miller, the church's lead pastor. He said the church plans to begin services March 22.

The 58-spot parking lot of the SRP Federal Credit Union next to the property will provide additional parking. A day care center also is located next to the property and Platt's Funeral Home and Belair Elementary School are located across the street.

Gibbs Library closed before the Columbia County Library opened in March 2006. The Development Authority of Columbia County sold the lot to Duffie Properties in April 2007, according to the sale history.

There are no changes planned for the church's exterior, said County Planner Dave Van De Weghe.

Reach Jenna Martin at 868-1222, ext. 109 or jenna.martin@augustachronicle.com.