Planning can go forward for an expanded interfaith facility on the west side of Columbus after the Columbus City Council gave its final approval to a rezoning of the property off of Goeller Boulevard.

The Unitaraian Universalist Congregation of Columbus and the Hindu community asked the council to consider rezoning their properties from agricultural use to public and semi-public facilities. The goal is to build more facilities for local, small faith communities such as the local Jewish population.

Neighbors said they were opposed because of concerns over drainage, the commercial septic system, vandalism and the large number of people who could attend to worship at several churches and temples planned for the property. Those plans they would have to come back before city and county planners for review before any projects can move forward.

Although the properties are outside of the Columbus city limits, they are within the city’s two mile zoning jurisdiction.