Hall County

Controversial megachurch looks to build massive development on 270 acres

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — A controversial megachurch from Mexico wants to build a massive development in Hall County.

La Luz Del Mundo, whose leader claims to be a modern-day Apostle of Christ, wants to build on Hog Mountain Road in Flowery Branch.

If the church gets its way, the 270-acre plot may one day be filled with churches, parks, administrative buildings, hotels and much more.

Some people who live in the neighborhood aren’t happy about it.

“It’s going to be a nightmare,” said Millie Spillers.

Spillers told Channel 2 Action News that she voices the concerns of many people who live near the plot of land the Mexico-based church bought last year for $2 million.

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“They claim they are the direct apostles to Jesus and no man gets to go to heaven unless through them,” Spillers said.

Spillers said homeowners in the area received a proposed master plan from church attorneys. It includes housing, retail offices, hotel, church space and more.

“It will be a closed-off community of just their (stuff). We have concerns. They could be exempt of certain taxes because of their religious beliefs,” Spillers said.

Thousands of people who live in surrounding communities have signed an online petition opposing the development.

“It’s going to plummet my property value. It absolutely will,” Spillers said.

The city's director of planning told Channel 2's Tom Regan that nothing officially has been submitted on the project.

Channel 2 Action News reached out to the church for comment, but we haven't heard back.