SANDY SPRINGS, GA (CBS ATLANTA) -
The Sandy Springs City Council voted Tuesday night to allow the Church of Scientology's request to expand its building near Roswell Road and Glenridge Drive.
It's a battle that has dragged on since 2009.
Three years ago, the city refused to allow the church to expand. Church leaders then filed suit but lost their fight in federal court.
Last month, the council was about to take up the rezoning issue, but dozens turned out and argued the city did not properly notify residents that the issue was on the agenda.
"We fear traffic," said Robin Beechey of the Willow Glen Condominium Association, a group opposed to the expansion. "We fear a loss in the quality of life."
The association plans to argue the church does not have the 130 parking spaces necessary for the expanded facility.
Woody Galloway, an attorney for the church, told CBS Atlanta that the church will use land at the adjacent post office to secure an additional 50 parking spots and comply with city ordinances.
"This is a desperate attempt to try to prevent the church from going forward," Galloway said. "They will not be successful."
Galloway said that a 44,000-square-foot church facility will generate less traffic than the offices the building once housed.
"There is no reason for this case to be denied," Galloway said.
The council voted to allow the church to continue with its plans, but some neighbors said their fight isn't over - they're considering a lawsuit against the Sandy Springs next.
"We won the argument but lost the case," Beechey said.
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