On March 6 we ask Strongsville citizens to vote "Yes" on Issue 5. This will change the zoning of the Royalton Road property from "Residential" to "Public Facility."
It will help ensure that the historic Church on the Commons remains positioned for future growth.

Parking for Compact Horses Only
The Congregational Church was established in Strongsville nearly 200 years ago. The existing church structure on the town square pre-dates the Civil War. We are proud of our heritage and hopeful for the future.

When our church was first built, cars did not exist, and parking lots were for horses. At the time, the extra property may have seemed foolish. But if our forebears had not acquired property for future growth, our church might have been land-locked and forced to relocate generations ago.

Room to Grow
We have observed how other area churches found growth to be a mixed blessing. With no place to park, and no property to expand, growing membership compelled them to move. We want to avoid a similar predicament. The Royalton Road property prudently ensures the retention of our historic presence on the Strongsville Commons.

Royalton Road Property
In 1985, the Strongsville UCC acquired the property and residence at 19130 Royalton Road. In June, 2010, the congregation made the difficult decision that it was no longer cost-effective to retain the existing residence on the property. As there is no longer a residence on these church properties, it is proper to modify its zoning classification from "Residential" to "Public Facility."

What difference does this make right now?
Not much. The property will remain essentially unused for the foreseeable future. The church will cut the grass and maintain the site. We hope to beautify the grounds with additional trees and shrubs around the perimeter. We may add a garden or gazebo. We will occasionally have activities such as church picnics and outdoor worship on the property.

Are we building another parking lot?
There are no plans to expand to another parking lot at this time. We simply have neither the need nor resources for that. But our congregation is growing; hopefully that growth will continue. More parking space might be considered in the long-term future.

Share the word!
Many Strongsville residents may, understandably, feel indifferent about Issue 5. This issue is important to our Church's future. Whether an individual attends or not, most citizens agree that the church's continued historic presence at the Strongsville Commons is important to Strongsville's heritage. So please share this information with your neighbors and friends. Ask them to vote "Yes" on Issue 5.
Honor our history. Preserve our future.

Pastor John King