Property Tax Question

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Apostolic Life is in the process of purchasing 8 1/2 acres of land in
east Urbana.  We expect to close on the property this month and
commence immediately with consulting with an architect for a church
building.

Since getting plans, various government approvals, etc probably will
take the better part of eight months or so, we're looking at breaking
ground in the Spring of '98 for our building.

In Illinois, churches are exempt from paying property tax.  This
exemption is based on the usage of the property, not the ownership.
Thus, we'd like to figure out some sort of usage of this patch of
weeds that will somehow make it exempt from taxation.

One idea was a monthly out-in-the-open prayer meeting at the site.  I
don't know if volleyball tournaments and such would qualify.  We'll
probably present our ideas to a lawyer and see what he might have to
say also.

Has anyone else experienced this situation?  Any ideas or suggestions?

TIA!

Richard Masoner