MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - New Hope Church in Haslett is one step closer to moving to a new larger location.

Their special use permit to construct a 42,000 square-foot church on 13.51 acres of land located on Saginaw Hwy M-78 was unanimously approved at the Meridian Township Board meeting on Tuesday, June 7, 2016.

The Meridian Township Planning Commission first discussed the request back in April.

The Township Board members discussed the stipulations of the new church.

They were confident that the highway could handle the traffic for New Hope's members, but couldn't agree whether LED lights were needed throughout the entire church.

Senior Pastor, Mark Kring stated, "We currently use LED lights in our current facility, and we’re going to use the most efficient lighting available to us. That is our intent."

The Township Board members made one alteration to the proposed conditions. A 3-2 vote finalized that the document would state, "LED lighting shall be used where feasible" rather than read, "LED lighting shall be used."

The approved special use permit brings new hope for New Hope Church. They are one large step closer to creating a new home for their growing number of members.