A proposed expansion of a megachurch in Riverside County has some residents frustrated over the permanent disruption the church could bring to a quiet residential area.
Founded in 2007, Living Truth Christian Fellowship in Corona has grown in popularity over the years.
Church administrators are now seeking expansion. A planning commission meeting revealed a proposal for a two-story, 55,000 square foot church at 3475 Hillside Avenue in Norco.
The quiet, two-lane street is in a rural area lined with homes. Marie Haught has lived in the neighborhood for 62 years.
The proposed megachurch will be built next door to her home, which she says will bring a myriad of issues including noise, pollution, traffic and crowds.
“My property value is going down and so will everybody else’s because nobody is going to want to buy it near a church like that,” Haught told KTLA’s Shelby Nelson.
She and other frustrated neighbors shared similar sentiments.
“The noise,” Haught said. “I’m not going to have a peaceful life here anymore.”
In a video uploaded to the church’s YouTube channel in February 2024, Senior Pastor Michael Lantz revealed a blueprint for the new church. The property of over four acres would have a seating capacity of 700, some classrooms, a playground, over 200 parking spaces, areas for overflow and additional amenities.
The neighbors on Hillside Avenue are also frustrated that the development would be built in a residential area zoned for agricultural low-density use and not high-traffic buildings.
However, there appears to be an exception in Norco — written in municipal code, churches have religious freedom, allowing them to be built in residential or commercial areas as long as there is a conditional use permit which the church has applied for.
Despite pushback from some neighbors, many others said they are excited for a new location to be built.
A city meeting to address the proposal and residents’ concerns is scheduled for May 14. If the proposal is denied, church officials can choose to appeal the decision.
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