Next Step Ministries' Plans to Move Concerns Residents

Plans for a program that provides therapeutic services to special needs children and adults to move further away from the city is giving its future neighbors some heartburn.

Woodstock-based Next Step Ministries is exploring the possibility of purchasing land at 7709 Turner Road, located off North Arnold Mill Road east of Woodstock, to use for its new home.

The property, which went into foreclosure and is currently owned by First Citizens Bank, was the subject of a public hearing by the Cherokee County Commission on Tuesday. 

Lori Baker, executive director of Next Step Ministries, petitioned the county to remove conditions of zoning placed on the property during the 1980s when it was rezoned from residential to neighborhood commercial.

The condition imposed on the property stipulated it could only be used as a music school or a drapery shop and the building should not exceed 40 feet by 100 feet in size. It also ruled the facility should be built similar to the style of other structures in the area. 

Residents who live in the area were concerned that if the conditions were removed, it could open up the possibility of heavier uses being permitted in the area. 

"It is residential in nature in that area," said resident Joe Porter, who added any developer who utilizes the property should also "respect" the surrounding homes and communities.

At the request of District 2 Commissioner Ray Gunnin, the board tabled the request until its Dec. 3 meeting to give time for county staff to compile a list of what could the space could be utilized for under the zoning classification. 

Baker told commissioners and the audience that she wants to move into the facility because it's located in a "quiet peaceful area, which is a concern for us with our special needs clients."

Next Step, a Christian-based organization, also offers day care options for families with special needs children and a Saturday respite program. It's currently located 3353 Trickum Road, and sits beside Papa John's Pizza. 

She noted the company would like to remodel the 4,650-square-foot space and would like the opportunity to expand the current footprint in the future. She added that the organization has no plans to cut down any trees or to provide any intrusive services.

"We do desire to be good neighbors," she added.   

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