The Village Chapel congregation has approved a board of trustee’s proposal to build a new learning center at a cost of $5.3 million.

A vote of the congregation is required for any capital expenditure that exceeds $100,000. At least 100 members of the congreation must vote for it to be official.

The vote count reportedly was 182 in favor and 28 against. The Village Chapel has about 900 members.

“Overall things are moving forward,” said John W. Shannon, direcor of Music for the Chapel.

The council is expected to consider the major special use application at a meeting slated for 1 p.m. Aug. 24 in Village Hall. If approved, the major special use permit would be the first hurdle that must be cleared in order for the Chapel to build its new learning center.

Pinehurst Village Manager Andy Wilkison informed the council on July 27 that the village attorney Mike Newman has recieved the transcript of the meeting on a major special use permit for the proposed expansion that was held over two days in July.

Wilkison said Newman will review the transcript for completeness and then provide copies to the council. Council member Nancy Roy Fiorillo did not attended the quasi-judicial hearings. She will be provided a transcript, but likely will not vote on issuing the permit unless her vote is needed to break a tie among the other four members.

In a quasi-judicial hearing, speakers are under oath and must present only factual evidence. The council can consider only factual evidence when deciding whether or not to issue the permit. If the major special-use permit is approved, the church will still be required to obtain approval from the Historic Preservation Commission, along with all other applicable site plan approvals.

For more See Wednesday's print edition of the Pilot.