Central Unitarian Church to Expand

The will construct a 1,100 square foot storage building on its Forest Avenue property, after receiving approval from the Planning Board Thursday.

William Howe, who is in charge of facilities at the church, said space was at a premium. The church frequently holds events, and needs an area to store tables and chairs.

"We're basically overwhelmed, and we're at a standstill and we need some more space," he said.

The existing building includes a worship space, offices and school rooms within its 12,600 square feet.

Before being allowed to expand, the church needed a variance for impervious coverage. 

Currently, the church covers 54.9% of its 3.69 acre lot. With the addition, that ratio increases to 55.6%.

The church's application also included a 213 square-foot sign, well over the 36 square feet allowed by the borough. Architect Frederick Cooke argued that much of the sign was negative space.