(Harrison, Oh.) - A zoning battle over a proposed church in Harrison Township has been settled by Hamilton County Commissioners, whose ruling goes against the wishes of City of Harrison and township officials.

Last April, the Hamilton County Rural Zoning Commission denied a zone change needed by a Jehovah’s Witnesses group change to build a large church at the Harrison Township-Harrison Joint Economic Development District – also called the Harrison Commerce Center – on Simonson Road.

The group appealed to county commissioners in August. On Wednesday, the commissioners unanimously voted Wednesday to overturn the rural zoning commission and approve the zone change, The Cincinnati Enquirer reported.

City of Harrison and Harrison Township oppose the assembly hall, but not because of the Jehovah’s Witnesses religious views. City and township leaders had argued that the church should not be built at the JEED because it won’t serve an economic benefit or create jobs.

They can appeal the commissioners’ decision within 30 days.

The planned assembly hall will measure 87,000 square feet and include 1,700 parking spaces. The group expects to attract 5,000 people on most weekends.

A couple businesses are already located at the 165-acre industrial park.

LINKS:

Jehovah's Witnesses Challenge To Build Church