Trinity Wesleyan Church Wants to Expand

Two proposed additions to Trinity Wesleyan Church were approved by the Upper Macungie Planning Commission at its agenda meeting Wednesday night.

Michael Sodl of P.E. Wilkinson & Associates, Inc., representing Trinity Wesleyan Church, explained minor additions and changes to the commission Wednesday night.

The church proposes construction of a 2,549-square-foot addition and a 7,071-square-foot addition.

The first phase of the project will consist of a 2,549-square-foot foyer/cafe addition and a parking lot expansion for 34 spaces, including four existing spaces that are being relocated.

Phase two includes a 7,071-square-foot sanctuary addition and a loop road around the entire building for emergency response vehicles. The site access will continue to be from the existing driveway on Cetronia Road.

Phase two will also include a proposed 3,000-square-foot outdoor play area.

Sodl said construction is expected to begin on phase one of the project as soon as the process is approved by Upper Macungie Supervisors.

However, Sodl said phase two of the project could take as long a five years to complete, depending on fundraising.

Sodl said he was not aware of the cost of the phase one construction.

The property is in a low-density residential zone. Planners said a place of worship is a permitted use in the district.