Church of St. Andrew Considering Closing and Sale of Riverside Drive Property

Tabula Rasa language school located on the Church of St. Andrew property at 5855 Riverside Drive, at I-285, sought a use permit from the City of Sandy Spring to construct more building space and expand enrollment. That effort is now on hold as Presbytery of Greater Atlanta considers closing St. Andrew.

Presbytery of Greater Atlanta is a regional governance body of 100 churches. 

Patch has learned that Tabula Rasa asked the Planning Commission for deferral on a decision for the use permit, during a meeting last Thursday. The school operates under a lease at the site. The city was informed through a letter sent to Tabula Rasa from Presbytery of Greater Atlanta that the church may be dissolved, however the church network is interested in the idea of the school purchasing the church property. 

St. Andrew has experienced a decrease in membership and attendance, Patch has learned. 

Ralph Clements, who represents Presbytery of Greater Atlanta, said no decision has been made about the church, and declined to comment further.

Deferral on the school’s use permit still has to be presented to City Council, probably at the Nov. 19 meeting, said Patrice Dickerson, manager of planning and zoning. Between now and then school owner Besa Tarazi may have an update, Dickerson added.

Tarazi declined to comment on this story.