In recent weeks, I’ve shared some of the basics regarding the upcoming Walker Rd. expansion. Today, I’d like to provide more concrete details to ensure clear and consistent communication.
On October 15, Dana, Deacon Brett, and I met with a representative from Washington County’s Land Use & Transportation office. We learned that the previously delayed Walker Rd. expansion will begin in June 2025 and will take 2.5 years to complete. This project will bring the new sidewalk within 10 feet of our main parish office, which serves as the catalyst for everything to follow. Click here to see the map.
In response, I have formed a “Dream Committee” (or “Dream Team”) to explore how our parish should address the expansion, both in the short term and looking ahead 10 to 25 years. The committee will focus on:
1. Defining the parish’s mission.
2. Assessing our various ministries and how well our current facilities meet—or fall short of meeting—their needs.
3. Evaluating potential changes, such as adjustments, removals, rebuilds, or additions of facilities to meet these needs, considering both pros and cons.
4. Determining optimal locations on our campus for any proposed facilities.
The Dream Team is not tasked with making detailed decisions but rather providing a broad, high-level perspective. Once we complete this initial phase, which I hope to do before the holiday season, the committee will disband.
In 2025, I plan to form a new committee that will take the Dream Team’s recommendations and work with an architect (and possibly a contractor) to create preliminary professional drawings. Around this time, we’ll share these drawings with the entire parish and hold a meeting to explain our journey to this point and discuss the plan in detail. Updates will also be provided via bulletins, pulpit announcements, and my Friday video messages.
A feasibility study will follow to gauge Holy Trinity’s fundraising capacity for the project. If successful, a fundraising campaign will begin, and once completed and permits are secured, construction would commence.
How long will all of this take? It’s difficult to say exactly, as the permitting process can be lengthy. However, it’s likely that the Walker Rd. expansion will finish before we break ground on any new construction.
These are the current details and big picture as best as I can share. Many factors could influence the timeline, so I ask for your prayers. I believe wonderful things are in store for us in the coming years. Until then, let’s pray for God’s guidance and patience for everyone involved in this effort. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me, Deacon Brett, Dana Morano, Fr. Anthony, or Dr. Anne Erwin.