Pastor Harmon Yalaratai is more determined than ever to keep people out of Hell after having a taste of it himself with the West Haven Zoning Board. Those of you who know him would agree that there is scarcely a more humble, nicer guy to be found on earth. And yet, he is being jerked around unmercifully by the Zoning Power Bullies. There comes a point where legimate zoning issues seem to become secondary to what appear to be strictly personal issues. What's really going on here? God is bigger than this. Please prayer for our brother.......as a matter of first steps of action. The following is Pastor Harmon's account of his ordeal to date:
Faith Revival Temple Church began this process almost two years ago. Our application to the Zoning Board of Appeals, City of West Haven was unanimously approved - that was the first part. We then proceeded to the Planning and Zoning Commission, City of West Haven with the Application for a Special Permit for conversion of a Church and related facilities in a Regional Business Zone ; we have been held here for about a year in submitting the application, denial, and resubmitting of applications!
The process has been long, tedious, expensive, and unending. We are down to an issue about 6 parking spaces! Faith Revival Temple Church leased the 6 spaces from the State of Connecticut. The Planning and Zoning Commission chaired by John Penza, City of West Haven was not satisfied with the one month termination clause in the lease, although this is the department’s standard lease. We were denied at that time “without prejudice” until the issue around the spaces in question can be settled. Two motions to grant us conditional approval died without a second, because the Chairman was not in favor of it. The Department was willing to modify the lease to a six month termination clause if it would meet the commission’s acceptance/approval. Over two months ago the church’s Attorney, Timothy Yolen wrote the commission in that regard, and there has been no response. Our frustration mounts! Our finances dwindle! It seems as though they are just trying to “starve us out” until we finally give up….but we’ve come too far and sacrificed too much to turn back now!
Our Architect John Cruet restudied the site plan and is now able "find by design" the 6 parking spaces! He and the attorney will submit another application and a hearing date will be set by the commission. Once this is done and a hearing date is set we will inform and kindly ask all our members, friends, and supporters to be at West Haven City Hall.
Please continue to pray for me and the church; we are stretched to a breaking point holding on only by the grace of God. We are drained!
Truly in Christ, Pastor Harmon D.Yalartai
Dear Pastor Harmon,
I came across your site in regards to the problems with the zoning department in West Haven. Recently, I came in contact with my own nightmare and it involves the zoning department and their connection to a developer who also serves on the ZBA. The ZBA is approving the development of residential properties by this developer which pushes the variances too close. Meaning the zoning laws are compromised and vague so that the developer can have his profit by building a home that occupies more than 49% of the lots. Meaning, the homes, that were previously on the lots, were torn down to accomodate a new home, but they are twice the size of the original home. The reason why I am mentioning this to you, is because, it seems that variances are approved based on who serves on the board, rather than following the land/ zoning ordinances as they are currently written. So, it seems that there is a problem with whom is approved and those who are denied. PS I was also provided with your lawyers name, Tim Yolen to help me, but I did not contact him as of yet. But good luck, and I can share the frustrations you are going through and hopefully there are more people willing to fight the fight...YOU CAN WIN!!!!
Much respect,
Audra Oliver- Miccio
Posted by: a. Miccio | April 29, 2008 at 04:50 PM