A Christian ministry reportedly plans to proceed with a proposal to erect an estimated $80 million multi-purpose Christian complex in Greene Township if they can have access to water and sewerage.

Faith Center World Ministries, a nondenominational Christian ministry headquartered in Girard, Ohio, is eyeing a 700-acre stretch of land on state Route 58 for the complex.

Jim Taraczkozy, ministry representative, said discussions have been under way for about five months, but no actions are being taken until the sewer and water matter is thoroughly investigated.

FCWM knows what land they would use, but purchasing the property depends on whether or not the ministry will be able to get an adequate water and sewage system.

Taraczkozy said he asked Jamestown council for its input May 14 at the monthly meeting, but the response he received wasn't too great.

"Jamestown didn't seem too interested because they would have to upgrade their sewer system," he said. "But do they want to stand still or move the community up?"

The complex would house a Christian broadcast television station, a church, a Bible college, a nursing home, a home for unwed mothers and an orphanage. Children living at the complex would attend local schools, Taraczkozy said.

He said the complex would also include about 25 self-assisted living quarters and a "stadium-like" sports section, which would be available for public use.

The complex would be completed in several steps over about 10 years, Taraczkozy said. He said the first step is to buy the land.

The proposed land is "perfect," he said, because "you can't find that much land for a big complex anywhere unless you go out west."

He said the council seemed disinterested because the Jamestown Area School District, which is a part of Greene Township, might not be able to handle the extra students.

Beth Faylor, FCWM vice president, said, "We felt led by God to build this here. We hear some people aren't interested, so we don't know if we should pursue this not. If we're not welcome we don't want to go. We're a busy people and have a lot of work to do."

Taraczkozy said there is "a big need" for the complex because there are more needy people around than there are places to care for them. He said the complex would also bring about 500 people to the area, which would help bolster the local economy.

Jamestown council President Floyd "Bud" Owen could not be reached for comment. Delmar Schwartz, council vice president, refused comment because he said he doesn't have enough information about the proposed complex project.

Schwartz did say that the borough recently upgraded its sewage plant and several sewage lines. He said new water lines are being updated and cost about $4.5 million.

If there isn't a possibility of sewer and water access, Taraczkozy said he would talk to the Greenville Sewer Commission. If that avenue doesn't work, he said there's also the option of having their own sewer, which would cost about $500,000 extra.

He said FCWM has more than 700 churches around the world and sponsors several orphanages in South Africa and Thailand.

You can E-mail Herald Staff Writer Larissa Theodore at ltheodore@sharon-herald.com