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Dane County Rezoning Application—Supplemental Information New Heights Lutheran Church January 2021 Neighborhood Characteristics New Heights Lutheran Church has a long history in the Black Earth and Mazomanie communities. It began over 100 years ago when St John's (Mazomanie)and Our Saviours (Black Earth) Lutheran Churches were formed. In 2009,these two churches merged to become one: New Heights Lutheran Church. With a strong focus on renewal and revitalization and with a strong sense of God's mission, New Heights has grown into a healthy and vital faith community. In 2010, New Heights purchased 9.9 acres of land mid-way between these two communities with the intent on constructing a new building. We have now outgrown our current space and look forward to moving to our new location that will better serve this faith community and with intentions to be a resource for the broader community. The property is located midway between Black Earth and Mazomanie at the corner of State Hwy 78 and State Hwy 14 in the Town of Mazomanie,WI. Entrance to the property is off of Old Hwy 78, a town road. The intersection of State Hwys 14 and 78 was redone a few year ago, adding a turn lane and stoplight. With these improvements,entrance to the property is safe and should not cause any traffic concerns. To the west of the property(on the west side of Hwy 78) is a Park and Ride parking lot. To the east of the property(off of the town road Old Hwy 78)are 3 home sites. On the south side of the property(on the other side of Hwy 14) is the restaurant Rookies Food and Spirits and a small motel. About 1 mile east of Rookies Food and Spirits on Hwy 14 is the Wisconsin Heights High School and Middle School. Approximately 6 of the 9.9-acre parcel has been rented out as farmland during the 10 years that we have owned the property. This has been a simple agreement with a local farmer until we were able to begin building. This relatively small parcel is not connected to any other farmland. The remainder of the land has been used by the church for outdoor activities. Operational Narrative New Heights' primary gathering times for the congregation are on Sunday mornings for worship (3 services with up to 200 people)and on Wednesday evenings for fellowship and education (250-300 people). The church will also use the building throughout the week for staff,team meetings and other church functions. New Heights has a strong ministry and outreach focus that is planned and carried out throughout the week. Special church events (e.g.weddings,funerals) will also be held at the location. New Heights intends to make the building and outdoor space available to the communities (primarily Black Earth and Mazomanie). We are an authentic,open,welcoming church—all are welcome. We strongly believe that the church plays an intrical part in building a healthy community and strive to partner with the community to address needs. The building and outdoor space will be available for community meetings (e.g. such as the AA meetings that use our current location),a space where a few can gather for conversation and fellowship, or for family gatherings. The outdoor space will include sufficient parking so that street parking is not required. There will be space for outdoor gatherings (such as weddings), a playground,shelter, prayer labyrinth and walking path. These outdoor spaces may not