10 replies to this topic

[Stadtplan]

A local faith-based non-profit organization called The Justice Reform to build 100-bed residence for survivors of human trafficking called The Justice Residences.  The site will be located on the property of Mercy Culture Church (formerly Calvary Cathedral) 1701 Oakhurst Scenic Dr. 

 

More info here on their website:

https://www.thejusti...m.com/our-goals

 

 

An interesting story of transformation of these properties and these ministries.  Mercy Culture Church was formed on April 21, 2019 (Easter Sunday) and was meeting at Paschal High School quickly outgrowing that space.   They were given control of the property on Oakhurst Scenic Dr. in early 2020 by Calvary Cathedral along with control of the private school onsite with weekly attendance in the range of 1,000 to 2,000 churchgoers.  As you may recall Calvary Cathedral sustained a direct hit by a tornado on March 28, 2000 destroying their property.  Interestingly enough, the prayer tower steeple remained standing.  On June 1, 2001 Calvary Cathedral purchased the former Midtown Church of Christ property on Oakhurst Scenic Drive and on January 7, 2002, Calvary sold two downtown properties to Pier 1 Imports for their new corporate headquarters which will eventually become the new City Hall. 

 

https://www.bloomber...reement-to-sell

 

[Stadtplan]

This wedge of property is highly visible from I-35W.  It appears zoning change was initially denied for this project due to being incompatible to surrounding land uses and parking impact for the church:

 

https://www.fortwort...-and-docket.pdf

 

Development Impact Analysis:

 

Land Use Compatibility

 

The applicant is proposing a zoning change to amend their current PD 586 to add transitional housing. Surrounding land uses consist of single-family to the north and east, church and private school directly south and I-35W to the west. The current zoning is for church related uses. The proposed transitional home would be located on the site operated by the church, however, is not compatible with surrounding single-family and school related land uses. The proposed use would also eliminate much needed parking for the existing church,

which would result in parking continuing to overflow into the neighborhood. As a result, the proposed zoning request is not compatible at this location.  Comprehensive Plan Consistency – Northeast The Comprehensive Plan designates the subject property as Community Facilities. The proposed zoning is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan.

 

However, the requested zoning change is not consistent with the following Comprehensive Plan policies:

• Promote measures to ensure that all types of residential developments are compatible in scale to abutting residential developments. A dramatic difference in lot size and units per acre should be discouraged for new development immediately adjacent to existing development or platted and zoned property, unless mitigation is provided to minimize the effects of the new use.

 

Public Notification

Development Impact Analysis

• Encourage infill development of compatible, single-family homes in existing neighborhoods to preserve and protect residential neighborhoods.

 

 

 

[Austin55]

Weekly just wrote about this. Its a lot of drama.

https://www.fwweekly...sing-territory/

[elpingüino]

Star-Telegram did too,

Oakhurst residents skeptical of Fort Worth churchs plans to house trafficking victims

[Jeriat]

I'm gonna keep my personal thoughts about that church my personal thoughts... but it seems like there's always something questionable happening when it comes to Mercy.  

[Urbndwlr]

I'm gonna keep my personal thoughts about that church my personal thoughts... but it seems like there's always something questionable happening when it comes to Mercy.  

What has been noted by people in the press is that Mercy Culture church has a habit of explicitly and vocally endorsing political candidates and has a stated agenda on their website to fill local elected offices with candidates they approve of.  

 

What is often mentioned in the press is that part of the "deal" between churches and government is that churches may be exempt from paying taxes however they are not allowed to endorse candidates (likely other limitations as well).  And that endorsing political candidates or parties could (or does*) jeopardize their tax-exempt status.  They seem to be testing this so I expect will remain a lightning rod for years to come. 

 

*I am far from an expert on this - just repeating what I have read from memory.

[JBB]

Churches have been creeping over that line for a long time and it happens far more often than is reported.  According to this 2018 article, the IRS has only ever revoked the non-profit status of one church.  They have nothing to be afraid of unless the IRS has been really busy in the last 4 years.

[JBB]

The church was withdrawn their zoning application.  Very detailed summary from Fort Worth Report: https://fortworthrep...king-survivors/

[Stadtplan]

The church was withdrawn their zoning application.  Very detailed summary from Fort Worth Report: https://fortworthrep...king-survivors/

That is some very thorough / detailed reporting. One minor error I caught. They said Interstate 35 runs from Kansas to the southern border of Texas. Last time I checked, it starts in Duluth, MN and runs all the way to Laredo, TX.

[Stadtplan]

This project is back in the news:
https://www.star-tel...e275779861.html

[Stadtplan]

Mercy Culture Church wants to build $13.2M religious discipleship center in Fort Worth

BY HARRISON MANTAS APRIL 08, 2024 5:13 PM

https://www.star-tel...l#storylink=cpy