Berks County · Bern Township · #07-12289a
Bethany Romanian Church of God
Northwestern side of the Bernville Road (S.R.0183) and Oak Grove Road intersection., Bern Township, PA · 20,500 sq ft non-residential, institutional · 9.2 acres
About this project
A 20,500 sq ft addition to the existing church and site improvements on a 9.2-acre property in Bern Township, along Bernville Road and Oak Grove Road.
Official description: Addition to ex church and site improvements
- Applicant
- Bethany Romanian Church of God, Inc.
- Developer
- Bethany Romanian Church of God, Inc.
- Engineer / designer
- John W. Hoffert, P.L.S., Ltd.
- Plan type
- Preliminary
- Land use
- Church
- Water
- EX P
- Sewer
- EX P
- Status
- Reviewed
The full picture AI research · Nov 1, 2026
Bethany Romanian Church of God proposes a 20,500-square-foot addition to its existing church. The site is on the northwest side of the Bernville Road and Oak Grove Road intersection in Bern Township, Berks County. The county lists the property at about 9.2 acres. The plan also includes site improvements such as parking and stormwater controls.
The township planning commission reviewed the plan in January 2025. Its members raised runoff and stormwater questions, and the church's surveyor was told state requirements would apply. In May 2025 the commission voted to recommend conditional approval of the preliminary plan to the township supervisors. No news coverage or organized opposition was found.
What it could mean nearby
- Stormwater runoff was the main concern raised at township review, so drainage design and state stormwater requirements are central.
- A larger church could bring more traffic to Bernville Road and Oak Grove Road on service days, but no traffic study was found.
Where it stands
The township planning commission recommended conditional approval of the preliminary plan in May 2025. The township supervisors would normally vote next. A final plan and permits usually follow before construction. No supervisors' decision was found online.
- May 13, 2025 Township planning commission recommended conditional approval of the preliminary plan to the supervisors.
- Mar 7, 2025 Latest county planning filing for the project.
- Jan 14, 2025 Township planning commission first discussed the plan, including stormwater.
Want to weigh in? The Bern Township Board of Supervisors is expected to decide next. Residents can comment at its public meetings or contact the township office.
Who's behind it
Bethany Romanian Church of God, Inc. · The congregation is the applicant and property owner. It is using a local licensed land surveying firm for its plans.
Around the web
- 05 2025 Bern Planning MinutesBern Township · May 13, 2025Records the planning commission's vote to recommend conditional approval of the preliminary plan.
- 2025 01 Feb to Mar ReportsBerks County Planning Commission · Mar 2025Lists the church's preliminary plan with 20,500 square feet proposed.
- Bern Township Planning Commission Meeting of January 14 2025Bern Township · Jan 14, 2025Shows the first township discussion, including stormwater questions.
Planning terms explained
- Preliminary plan
- An early detailed version of a development plan that the township reviews before the final plan is approved.
- Land development
- A township review process for building additions, parking, and other site work on a property.
- Conditional approval
- Approval that depends on the applicant meeting listed requirements.
- Stormwater
- Rain runoff from roofs and pavement that must be managed so it does not flood neighbors.
- Institutional
- A land-use category for uses such as churches, schools and community buildings.
Researched by AI from public sources on Nov 1, 2026. It can make mistakes, so check the linked sources and the municipality before relying on it.
Scope estimate for contractors
Estimated construction value: $7.2M
- ~102 roofing squares (assumes 2 stories)
- ~51 tons of cooling (rule of thumb 400 sq ft/ton)
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