Neighbors fight plans for new church

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NAPLES, Fla. – Neighbors hope county commissioners will vote in their favor so a church that opens its doors to sex addicts will not end up in their neck of the woods.

Plans for Summit Church include a 400-seat sanctuary and an entrance on Napa Woods Way, which neighbors said will back up weekend traffic on Pine Ridge Road.

The church’s move to Napa Woods Way was recently approved by a 4-1 planning board vote, but local residents said it would also hurt their property values. They also said they are concerned about the safety of children because the church touts sex addict therapy as part of its mission.

Church leaders said their sex addict programs are held locations separate from church grounds.

For months, residents have fought plans for Summit Church by passing around a petition and holding meetings. Now they hope the county will shut the proposed church out of their neighborhood.

The county commissioners will discuss plans for the church Tuesday.

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