BY PHIL CUSTODIO
Clarkston News Editor
Clarkston City Council voted, April 25, to approve the site plan and special land use permit for expansion of Clarkston United Methodist Church on Waldon Road.
A written agreement with Clarkston Community Schools is still pending on a storm sewer on school property off Waldon Road, next to the athletic field by Renaissance High School. The new drain would direct water away from the church to Waldon Road.
The church plans to add 16,950 square feet to its existing 28,312 square feet, for a total of 45,262 square feet.
The project includes a new community center in the back, about the size of a small junior high school gym, and more space in the front of the church
The church will celebrate its 175th anniversary celebration this year, and hopes the project will be a part of that, said Ric Huttenlocher, member of the church.
“We’re really a part of the community – we’ll continue to be a really good partner,” Huttenlocher said at the April 11 meeting. “We’ve recommitted to the city of Clarkston. We want to be here.”
City council OK’d the site plan and special land use permit at its April 11 meeting, pending review of materials, landscaping, and drainage engineering.
Those reviews were completed and the council gave its approval, April 25.
The plan includes no change to the parking lot, and no increase in use.
“It’s a seven-days-a-week building now. We’re used throughout the week,” said Pastor Richard Dake.
“I like the way it’s set up. It appears it’s going to fit what the have already,” said Council member Al Avery.
New outdoor LED lights will be installed, which are flat and directional, said architect Stephen Auger.
“It will be a huge improvement to what is there now,” Auger said.
A meeting with school officials has been planned for May 4, said Mayor Joe Luginski.
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Bids for an expansion project for Clarkston DPW and city hall are set to be opened on May 10.
A special city council meeting has been set for May 16 for review of the bids and possible approval of one of them, said Mayor Joe Luginski.
However, if the council and city engineers have not had enough time to review the bids, the meeting could be rescheduled for May 16. A week may make a difference as contractors fill their schedules, Luginski said.
It would also be the only item on the agenda, allowing council members and the public to focus on it, he said.

  Clarkston United Methodist Church