A former Columbus community center deemed surplus property may get a new life as a worship center.
The Columbus Planning Commission voted Monday to recommend the city council approve a zoning change for the I. C. Cousins Center. The center, which is zoned R-1 or single family residential, would be granted permitted usage status as a church. The city council will vote on the recommendation during its regular meeting on Dec.18.
“The purchase of the property was contingent upon the city allowing this request,” city building official Kenny Wiegel said Tuesday. Pastor Rone Burgin didn’t want to purchase the property if he couldn’t place a church there.”
Wiegel said the property, located at 1801 22nd St. N, will become United Faith Interdenominational Ministries once the sale is consummated. The sale price of the facility is $22,500.
The building was once under the umbrella of the Columbus-Lowndes Recreation Authority. CLRA Executive Director Roger Short said the building has been vacant for almost a year.
“We quit doing programs there in January or February,” Short said. “The property belongs to the city. I had to get approval from my board and then approach the city about selling the property. We did this a few months ago.”
Jeff Clark was previously a reporter for The Dispatch.
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