JEFFERSON — After months of postponing action, the Jefferson City Council approved a rezoning request from First United Methodist Church of Jefferson during a special called meeting Wednesday.

The church first approached the City Council in December concerning a nearly 4-acre parcel of property located on the corner of Storey and Cooley streets. The church sought to have the property rezoned to Office Institutional District to allow for expansion. Plans for the property include additional parking spaces and an extra structure, to be known as a family life center.

During Wednesday’s meeting, the council unanimously approved the request with a number of conditions. The vote was taken without the input of Councilwoman Kathy DuBose, who recused herself from the agenda item.

Among the conditions were stipulations that the additional structure not exceed 35 feet in height or be larger than 15,000 square feet; limits construction to the hours of 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the week; and requires the church pay for any upgrades to the city’s water and sewer lines that may be necessary to maintain city-specified levels of service.

“(Today’s actions) were a little confusing, but it essentially sounds like it will allow us to do what we need to do,” said Tim Cornelison, church member and building committee representative.

The project will be completed in phases, Cornelison said, and will include adding and reconfiguring existing spaces for about 220 parking spaces.

Neighbors in the surrounding historic district have been opposed to the church’s plans from the beginning. Previously, neighbors have said that the church’s plans will make traveling the narrow roads nearly impossible with the addition of so many more vehicles. Other allegations include a reduced quality of life with parking lot lighting shining down on their homes. Property owners of 228 Storey St. have said the church’s expansion will be a significant inconvenience as they will have to drive through the new parking lot to reach their property.

After Wednesday’s vote, a group of homeowners stated they felt unrepresented because DuBose did not participate. Prior to joining the council in January, DuBose — who lives on Storey Street — was vocal in her opposition to the church’s request.