A dormitory for the Atlanta School of Ministry was denied unanimously May 7 by the Smyrna City Council.
While the city staff recommended approval, the city’s Planning and Zoning Board recommended denial by a vote of 5-1 on April 9.
Also, neighboring residents and council members expressed concerns about the nighttime noise levels that may have been present and increased traffic.
Dan Palmer, CEO and founder of the school that is recognized by the state of Georgia, said students come from mainly across the U.S. and can receive certificates from the Assemblies of God Church at an annual full-time tuition cost of $6,400.
That tuition covers housing, meals, ministry/outreach opportunities, books, teachers and an ASOM Leadership Certificate at the end of three years.
“Our 80 students that are becoming ministers will be an asset. We are investing in the future and in the nation,” Palmer said.
With no kitchen facilities in Smyrna, the dorm would have been established in two existing but vacant church buildings on 1.84 acres at 460 Bourne Drive and housed a maximum of 120 students - 60 males and 60 females in separate buildings.
Currently serving 80 student interns, ages 18 to 25, the school is in downtown Atlanta in the midtown area, working with Atlanta Dream Center Outreach to help free people from sex trafficking, homelessness and addictions.
If the rezoning request had been approved, students would have resided in the Smyrna dorm and either driven downtown to school in their personal vehicles or used the transportation provided by the school.
Information: AtlDreamCenter.com, atlsom.com, facebook.com/AtlantaSchoolOfMinistry.
About the Author
