SOLON — The City of Solon will recommend approval of a conditional use permit for the construction of the Jordan Creek Church on land west of Solon along Hwy. 382. The Council took the action during their Wednesday, June 4 regular meeting after much discussion at the May 21 meeting, which included comments from the public and church leadership urging approval.

The church is currently utilizing the Solon Community Center, which is owned by the Solon Community School District and leased to the City on an annual basis. The District intends to demolish the building within the next few years, leaving the church in need of a new location. The church purchased land from Robert Upmeyer of Upmeyer Family LLC, which is outside of the Solon City Limits and within the two-mile “fringe area” around the city that falls under the jurisdiction of Johnson County. While the County will have the final say in approving or denying the church’s application for a conditional use permit allowing construction of a church on the site, the city has the opportunity to offer comments, for or against, due to the proximity to the city and potential infrastructure impacts.

During the May 21 meeting City Engineer Dave Schechinger stated a number of conditions to be placed on the site to bring it up to city standards in the event of future annexation. Among the conditions were either connecting to city water or testing the viability of a well (due to ground water issues in the area), planning for connection to the city’s sanitary sewer system instead of a planned septic tank, conducting a traffi c study for access and the potential need for turning lanes off of Hwy. 382.

The city’s support for the Jordan Creek Church and their desire to build was stated by Mayor Dan O’Neil who noted the City’s concerns aren’t with the proposed church but rather to maintain “orderly growth and expansion of the city” while avoiding burdening the taxpayers by providing infrastructure the development (church) should fund itself.

Council members Lauren Whitehead, John Farlinger (Mayor Pro Tem) and Cole Gabriel noted their support for the project as long as it met the City’s standards with Whitehead saying the Council welcomes the church, but that executing the growth and development process was vital to ensure good choices were made to meet current and future needs.

During public comments, church leaders pointed out infrastructure improvements – a water line to the site through undeveloped land, and a roadway, would create a devastating financial burden and hardship upon the church.

It was stated that the Council was treating the church in the same manner as they would for the developer of a proposed residential or commercial development within the fringe area.

Rodney Hedge, representing the church, said they want annexation into the city limits and are willing to make the necessary upgrades if/when annexation were to occur.

No action was taken by the Council at that time.

At the June 4 Solon City Council meeting, Jordan Creek Church founding member Cassie Rochholz addressed council members with a heartfelt appeal for support as the church plans for life beyond 2027—when the school district will demolish the Solon Community Center, the current home for the congregation. Rochholz, a 25-year Solon resident, emphasized the church’s deep community roots and ongoing contributions, citing national data that rural churches can generate significant economic and social value. “Jordan Creek Church is not just a project— it’s an opportunity to do something truly great for our city,” she said, calling on the council to partner with the church as it seeks to build a new facility outside of the current city limits and within the two-mile fringe area.

Later in the meeting, Solon City Administrator Cami Rasmussen provided an update on the church’s proposed development. Due to a recent property ownership change, Jordan Creek has been asked to resubmit its application for approval. The city also introduced a draft improvement agreement, which clarifies that while the church won’t be required to hook up to city water or sewer unless annexed in the future, those connections could be mandated if the area is brought into city limits.

The council discussed the planning timeline, noting that a conditional use permit hearing was expected at the county’s July 16 Board of Adjustment meeting. If no action is taken by the city within 60 days of that permit request, approval may be moved forward by default. The city’s feedback, however, remains critical to how the county will proceed.

The agreement also outlines long-term expectations, including potential road and sidewalk construction, should the property be annexed into Solon. City Attorney Kevin Olson noted these updates are part of efforts to streamline fringe development rules and clarify intergovernmental roles.

As the church navigates the approval process, leaders say they remain committed to serving Solon residents.