BY MICHELLE KIM

The Planning Board voted Monday, Oct. 11, to rescind a previously granted completeness approval to Goffstown Harvest Christian Church’s new building plans due to changes and additions, sending it back to the Zoning Board.

The Planning Board had voted in the previous meeting on Sept. 27 to find the plans submitted by Goffstown Harvest Christian Church complete and had scheduled a public hearing, the next step in the approval process, for the Oct. 11 meeting.

Instead, Chairman JoAnn Duffy brought to the board’s attention additions and changes that made it a “whole different plan.”

Goffstown Harvest Christian Church, which currently has a congregation of around 150, had originally received approval for a 400-seat building situated in the middle of the lot on the corner of Route 114 and St. Anselm Drive. The plans before the planning board on Oct. 11 called for a 479-seat building off to the side with an additional outdoor amphitheater and 9,000-square-foot gymnasium.

Duffy said she had not been able to attend the Sept. 27 meeting and the board had not had a copy of the new plan before them when they granted completeness.

However, lead engineer Steven Keach and church leaders had the understanding that the main issue before the Zoning Board had been whether or not a church could be built in an industrial area and that the plans initially submitted were rough drafts.

According to Pastor Joe Johnsick, the revised plans that were submitted to the Planning Board were things the church would eventually like to build.

“We knew when we presented the church, this is generally what we’re going to build,” said Johnsick. “This is not the final plan, but we want you to see the initial vision of what we’re trying to build.”

According to Duffy, the church’s argument was that the code enforcement officer, Derek Home, found the extra buildings were accessory uses to the church and would only need special exception for their revised plans.

Johnsick said they were frustrated that the board would not hear the church’s opinions. “The board shut (Keach) down twice from even saying anything,” Johnsick said.

The board voted 5-1 to rescind the completeness approval, with member Jim Raymond dissenting.

This sends the revised plans back to the Zoning Board for approval. The church can also continue with a public hearing under the old plans, said Duffy.

“I believe all of this is going to work out,” said Johnsick. “This is not a Christian-versus-town thing. We’re all public servants trying to do the best for our community.”

Johnsick said, “my goal is to build something that’s going to leave our community better.”