Atlas Township-Officials in Atlas Township are wondering if construction will ever begin.
In August 2001, a conditional use permit was granted for Queen of All Saints Convent and Mary Help of Christians Academy on Coolidge and Washburn Roads, followed by a site plan approval in September of 2001.
After the initial approval, representatives from the convent felt their plans exceeded the allotted budget. Architect Bruce Calhoun of Creekwood Associates in Burton was then hired to carry out the proper revisions to meet the budget allowances.
The original structure was two story, which was reduced to a one story and did not include a steeple or bell tower, as the original did. The 21,670 square foot facility that can house no more than 25 nuns. The academy permits up to 80 students in grades K-8.
After Calhoun completed the new design, members of the convent appeared again at the March 19 Planning Commission meeting seeking approval on the new site plan, which they received. Now already August, officials are wondering what the holdup is.
Atlas Township supervisor, Paul Amman, said the representatives have one year to execute the site plan. If an extension letter isn’t received, the site plan is no longer valid. Two, six month extensions are allowed.
‘The new site plan has been approved for three or four months already. I wouldn’t think they would want to start construction in the fall because something that size will take a while to build,? said Amman.
‘With a residential dwelling, you really don’t need that much time. I don’t know why they would want to be building in the winter,? said Amman.
Amman said at this time the township truly doesn’t have a feel one way or another if the convent will ever take shape in Atlas Township.