By Amanda Raymond

amanda.raymond@salisburypost.com

The Salisbury Planning Board will be discussing a possible wedding venue at today’s meeting.

The board will meet at 4 p.m. at 217 S. Main St.

Petitioners Michael and Lori Diefenbach are asking for a district map amendment for a project called The Abbey. Sacred Heart Catholic Church is the owner of the property — which is the former Sacred Heart church — and the Bogle Firm Architecture is the developer.

The property is about 1.5 acres and is at 128 N. Fulton St. More specifically, the property is along the west margin of North Fulton Street at West Council Street and extends through to North Ellis Street, according to meeting documents.

The petitioners are requesting that the city rezone the property from an urban residential (UR-12) district to a residential mixed-use (RMX) district with a conditional district overlay in order to operate a wedding venue on the property.

According to the concept site plan, the project has three potential phases. The initial phase could include developing a catering kitchen, along with a sanctuary and reception area. The secondary phase could include a garden house, an on-site manager’s residence and an indoor gathering space with a rooftop terrace. The future phase could include a support services center and a bed and breakfast. There may also be outdoor gathering spaces and a garden.

The board will hear a presentation from staff and hold a courtesy hearing. After a discussion, the board will make a statement of consistency and state its recommendation to the Salisbury City Council.

Board members will also be making a recommendation to the Salisbury City Council about the naming/renaming of streets in the area of the new South Main Street bridge overpass at Cedar Springs Road.

Contact reporter Amanda Raymond at 704-797-4222.