Church to get permit

A public hearing before the Three Rivers City Commission is the next step for backers of a special-use permit to allow for a place of worship in the municipality’s downtown district.

Members of the Three Rivers Planning Commission on Monday agreed to the special-use request sought by Verse By Verse Ministries for Sunday religious services. It has already been meeting at the location the past year for Monday night bible study and fellowship.

The 4-1 vote Monday moves the matter before Mayor Tom Lowry and commissioners, who will field the issue at their regularly scheduled meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday next week.

Supporters of the plan say one benefit is the Sunday worship will bring people to the downtown district who may patronize local businesses. Opponents have said the area is designated for commerce and a location outside the downtown area would be more appropriate for Verse By Verse.

Two conditions on the planning commission’s approval call for the permit to expire in September 2015 and Verse By Verse will not contest liquor license or other requests allowed in a business district.