Plymouth City Council rejects plans for Eagle Brook megachurch

The Plymouth City Council on Tuesday night rejected a plan from Eagle Brook Church to build a new campus in the west-metro suburb.

The 6-1 vote defied the recommendation of the city's planning commission, which last month unanimously recommended the council approve the project that called for a 64,000-square-foot building and 685 parking spots on the northwest corner of Chankahda Trail and Maple Grove Parkway.

But council members voiced concerns about increased traffic and suggested that the last large remaining parcel of land in the city might be better used for affordable housing.

Pushback from scores of neighbors and residents from both Plymouth and Maple Grove who spoke during Tuesday's meeting also played into the council's decision that came after nearly 3 ½ hours of discussion. A few people spoke in favor of allowing the church.

"I struggle with how traffic will impact people living in the area," said Council Member Julie Peterson, who made the motion to reject the building. While acknowledging that roads immediately near the proposed church could probably handle additional vehicles, "the numbers undershoot what reality would be. Capacity is not the issue, but how does it affect livability. The scale and intensity of this is too much for this area."

The church is "disappointed" in the decision, said Eagle Brook expansion director Stephanie Hauber. "We have been a part of this community for more than five years, hosting services two miles away at Wayzata High School, and are ready for a permanent location."

Now the church will consider its options, as it continues to host services at the high school, Hauber said.

Council Member Jim Willis said approving plans for the church would have an adverse effect on the city's ability to build affordable housing as called for in the city's comprehensive plan.

"We must take robust steps to accelerate the development of more affordable housing to continue to attract and retain a broad base of residents of all income levels and backgrounds to meet our housing objectives," he said while reading a letter he wrote.

In its rejection, the council now must come up with "findings of fact" to support its decision for denying the church's request. The council's next meeting is in January.

A developer had previously proposed to build as many as 200 single-family homes on the roughly 56-acre site but withdrew the plans. Eagle Brook then this fall signed a purchase agreement for the land about two miles north of Wayzata High School where the church currently conducts services. The property, as it is zoned, would allow for a church.

Mayor Jeffry Wosje, who dispelled rumors that he was an Eagle Brook member, cast the lone vote in favor of the church.

"I can't think of developments that we ever raise objection to support affordable housing," he said. "I question that when it comes up for a church."

Plymouth is the third city to deny Eagle Brook — a megachurch with 11 campuses in the metro area and one in Rochester — a place to build a permanent home for its west metro campus. Last year, Eagle Brook withdrew plans to buy property in a Minnetonka neighborhood after residents pushed back over concerns about increased traffic. Corcoran has also said no.