We are in the midst of exciting times at Unity on the Bay. I trust you are feeling the sizzle and enthusiasm we are harnessing as we continue to re-envision our future. I trust you also know that your commitment to our community is a blessing to thousands.
We wanted to provide you an update on the search for our new home. As a Board, together, we have looked at and visited many properties, especially since finalizing the strategic plan last year. This has allowed us to learn even more about what is available and some of the challenges we must continue to navigate. It has also helped continue to focus our criteria in alignment with the strategic plan. The process continues to be eye-opening as well as faith building.
Ever since the reopening from the COVID pandemic, property development prices have risen quite significantly in South Florida. A law passed in Florida, effective this past July 1st, also allows more dense development under certain conditions. This means that we are now competing for properties with more developers.
The complexities of rezoning property for religious use are very extensive and take from 9 - 18 months, before even being able to renovate or build within the property. This makes it more necessary to find property that is already zoned for our use.
The zoning requirements have made it even clearer that we need to find a property that is somewhat larger than originally expected as our minimum, especially to meet the parking requirements without the need to create a parking garage, which current estimates indicate would cost $5 million per 100 spaces.
Therefore, we have expanded our search area to have a larger pool of religiously zoned properties that meet the criteria our strategic plan envisions for Unity on the Bay. While all of this informs the decisions before us, know that our faith in God as the source of our abundance and guidance is deeper than ever. We also trust the vision of Unity on the Bay reaching more people with our powerful teachings.
To that end, we also want to make you aware that our Board of Trustees has designated some funds from the sale of our past property to help cover the difference between the love offerings we receive since our move to Temple Israel and the pandemic, and what it takes to support our community with our programs and services. We know that God provides through many avenues and we are grateful for our investments which have allowed us to do this without taking from our capital. We also ask that you consider how you may grow in your financial support of Unity on the Bay, and invite you to join our Circle of Faithful Giving by going to www.unityonthebay.org/auto-giving.
We realize this is a lot of information. On Sunday, Sept. 24th, after our 11:15 AM service, we will hold a Q&A Session to answer any questions you may have.
Overall, while we wanted to share some of the challenges we have been navigating, we also want you to know that we are more trusting than ever that the right and perfect new home for Unity on the Bay will be made manifest soon. And, we are so grateful to be witnessing the kind of energy and engagement that is alive within Unity on the Bay. Truly, we are blessed beyond measure and look forward to continuing to be a blessing upon you and others.
Join us in affirming our faith, trust and gratitude. Thank you for staying the course with us as we continue moving forward in faith.
In Unity,
Rev. Juan del Hierro
Senior Minister
Steve McCoy
Board President