The West Allis Common Council discussed a conditional-use permit application for a proposed religious institution, RCCG Household of God, at 6228 West Washington Street and debated operating hours, potential community services and applicant engagement.

Why it matters: Conditional-use approvals determine whether religious, assembly and similar uses may operate in specified zoning districts and can include limits on hours, parking requirements and conditions for community-facing programs such as meal services.

Discussion and concerns

Council members and staff reviewed the application’s plan and floor plan and noted the cover letter and project description were brief. Council discussion focused on hours of operation: the application listed a Wednesday bible study from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday services from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., including Sunday school. Alderman Weigel and others suggested adopting “common-sense” hours consistent with weekday hours for non-evening activities while allowing evening bible study and Saturday events if needed; staff noted hours can be adjusted on the application and additional events could be added.

Members also raised questions about the building’s kitchen (staff asked whether the kitchen was gas-powered) and whether the church intended to run meal programs or a food pantry, which would have operational and code implications. Parking and neighborhood notice were discussed; staff said the property had not been noticed to neighbors in the manner some members expected and that communication with the applicant had been limited.

Applicant status and next steps

Staff said the applicant was not present. The application indicated the congregation would bring roughly 50 parishioners, relocating from an area transcribed as "Sockville." Council members asked staff to request that the applicant appear at the next meeting so members could confirm hours, food-service intentions, parking plans and a timeline for opening.

Vote status

A motion to approve the conditional-use permit with the Plan Commission recommendations was made on the record. The meeting transcript, however, does not record a subsequent roll-call or voice vote for the item; staff and council discussion continued and the council moved on to the next agenda item. Because the vote outcome is not recorded in the meeting excerpt, the permit’s final status is not specified in the transcript.

Ending

Council members asked staff to follow up with the applicant and have them appear at the next meeting to clarify hours, any planned meal or pantry programming, and parking arrangements before the council completed final action on the conditional-use permit.