The New Life Community Church has moved into its new digs on Pine Street at what used to be the entrance of the old Harding’s Market so many years ago.

And the Wayland City Council Monday night gave Pastor Mike Hewitt and the congregation a welcome by approving a special use request from the church to operate at 158 Pine St., across the street from Pine Street Elementary. New Life formerly had services at the Wayland High School Fine Arts Center.

Located within the central business district, the former site of a veterans’ thrift business, it has been zoned commercial.

The only caveat came from Councilwoman Jennifer Antel who said there could be parking problems in the lot on Saturday evenings during church services. City Manager Tim McLean said a maximum of 40 spaces would be needed.

McLean, in response to a question from Councilman Rick Mathis, also said any legal restrictions involving distance from the church to a restaurant or business serving alcohol would be waived because the church was established after they already existed at the current sites.

PHOTO: The sign at the entrance of the New Life Church at 158 Pine St.