Historic church in Milligan opposes planned commercial project: 'We're very concerned'
Tony JudnichCRESTVIEW — The Okaloosa County Commission has helped pave the way for new commercial development in Milligan, despite the concerns of members of a historic church.
On Tuesday, the body granted majority approval to future land-use map and zoning designation changes for a property that could later contain several businesses. The overall planned project site stands on the northwest corner of U.S. Highway 90 and State Road 4 and next to Beulah No. 1 Missionary Baptist Church.
According to project documents, Miramar Beach-based 4-90 LLC plans to build two 11,264-square-foot retail strip centers next to Etta Garrett Road and west and northwest of the church, as well as a 4,532-square-foot convenience store north of the church and next to the intersection of U.S. 90 and SR 4.
Beulah No. 1 Missionary Baptist Church has had a church at 1875 W. U.S. 90, next to the overall planned development site, since 1894, according to church representative Patricia Stocker.
Stocker told the commission on Tuesday that she represents dozens of members of the church who share her concerns about the planned businesses.
For example, because of heavy traffic generated by those businesses, “We won’t be able to get (to the church) if a burglary or a fire happens,” she said.
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Developer was asked to 'be mindful' of church and its history
Currently, much of the traffic on SR 4 heading toward U.S. 90 consists of beachgoers who like to drink alcohol, Stocker said.
“We’re very concerned about our church,” said Stocker, who noted there already are two convenience stores nearby. “We want consideration for our property. We are a church. We are concerned about the souls of people.”
Addressing questions about alcohol sales, county Growth Management Director Elliot Kampert said the general commercial zoning designation for the overall development site would allow for the sale of packaged alcohol and for restaurants that serve alcohol, but would not permit a bar because the site is within 1,500 feet of the church.
District 3 Commissioner Nathan Boyles, whose district includes the development site and the church, said he had to take a “big-picture view” of the planned project and the church’s concerns.
The project site “is at the confluence of two highways” where “traffic is growing,” Boyles said. “We certainly have some challenges. But the solution isn’t stifling development.”
He then requested the developer to “be mindful” of the church and its long history and to provide a buffer, beyond what the county requires, between the development and the church “so everyone can live in peace and harmony.”
District 2 Commissioner and board Chairwoman Carolyn Ketchel cast the lone “no” vote against the requested future land-use map and zoning changes for the project.
“I’m sorry this has come up,” Ketchel told Stocker. “It would be better if a school or houses came in next to you.”