A proposal to build a huge church in Hayward is causing some controversy.
The Pilgrim Baptist Church is looking to move from San Mateo, where they’ve been for dozens of years, to the Hayward Hills.
But neighbors say they do not want the 39,000 square-foot church in their backyard.
“It’s not an appropriate place to build. It just isn’t. And it’s not safe,” said Hayward resident Tom Bauer.
The sanctuary would seat 800 people and also contain affordable housing apartments for seniors.
“My first initial reaction was, ‘How’s all that going to fit on this steep grade here?'” said Ranee Weselak of Hayward.
Pastor Larry Ellis purchased the property years ago.
“This is a move to help a lot of people to do better in life and so it’s not a change of mission it’s a change of location,” Ellis said.
He is waiting for the city to approve his plans to break ground.
“We think we are the right church at the right place for the right time for this location,” Ellis added.
But many neighbors disagree.
“It’s just nice and quiet. So that’s the one thing. Beautiful views, beautiful parklands,” Weselak said.
“I don’t think having a huge church looming over our neighborhood is going to make anybody feel better,” said Bauer.
Another issues neighbors have is the land where the church will be built — it’s all within the Hayward fault zone.
“It’s a safety concern with the fault line and landslides,” Weselak said.
“Anytime you disturb a hillside, it’s a risk to all of us who live down here,” said Bauer, who lives at the bottom of the hill.
Hayward’s planning commission has not taken any official action on the project yet and is working with the church on ways to improve plans.