Jeff Stupar, senior pastor at RiverPark Community Church, wants to reach the community in downtown Waukesha and help serve the needs of those who are addicted to drugs, alcohol and other issues.

He has the perfect location picked out with a vacant storefront at the corner of South Street and Grand Avenue. Perfect, that is, except for one minor problem.

“We could do everything there, but we can’t get in,” Stupar said.

The city’s zoning code prohibits churches from locating in the central business district. While there are churches in the outline areas of the central business district, the property RiverPark Community Church is looking to occupy is in the central business district.

“I could open up a bar here, but I can’t open up a church in the inner city,” Stupar told the Plan Commission on Wednesday night. “That is really hard for me to understand.”

Alderman Roger Patton, a retired minister and downtown alderman, has championed Stupar’s request and is asking the Plan Commission to revise the ordinance to allow churches in the central business district.

Patton was unable to attend Wednesday’s Plan Commission meeting, so the request did not approved.

“This is the first time in 10 years since we have changed the code that anyone has expressed an interest in placing a church in the central business district,” City Planner Mike Hoeft said.

The issue will come back in two weeks, and Mayor Jeff Scrima requested that information be provided about the vacancy rate for the property is in the last 10 years, including during strong economic times. Scrima also asked that the church speak with the Business Improvement District Board of Directors and ask them to come to the next Plan Commission meeting “as they are very involved and have a vested interest in the downtown,” he said.

The commissioners unanimously agreed with Scrima that the additional information would be useful. The issue was tabled until the next Plan Commission meeting with the additional feedback being required in order to come back to the commissioners.

“I think that would be good feedback and good information to be brought back to this commission for us to decide,” Scrima said.

RiverPark Community Church currently holds services at Bluemound and Springdale roads and wants to move the congregation to a storefront to reach those who are unlikely to drive to Bluemound Road. Stupar said the church doesn’t want to be a “suburban” church but wants to be located in the middle of the city.

“I have nothing against stained glass, I have nothing against steeples,” Stupar said. “… But there are going to be people who will not come near that building.”

Alderwoman Kathleen Cummings spoke to the Plan Commission and said that churches operate where there is the greatest need and the  city’s response is not a reflection on the needy but on the aldermen and commissioners who are making the decisions.

“When there are downturns in the economy – that is when the greatest needs are and (the needs) are in the central city,” Cummings said. “They are not out on Bluemound Road. Somebody in need is not going to drive to Bluemound Road.  … We are only a paycheck away from being in need. It happens to more people than you realize.”