City may create 2nd historic district to prevent another parish’s demolition
March 23, 2010
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Less than three months after a Massachusetts city established a historic district to prevent the demolition of a closed Italian Renaissance-style parish, the city council has unanimously taken the first step towards creating of a new historic district that would prevent the demolition of another parish slated for closure.
The Diocese of Springfield has filed suit against the city of Springfield in order to overturn the creation of the first historic district and has argued against the creation of the second district.
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Further information:
- Council gives nod to church (Springfield Republican)
- Massachusetts city creates historic district to prevent parish’s demolition (CWN, 1/4/10)
- Immaculate Conception Church
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Posted by: -
Mar. 23, 2010 7:58 PM ET USA
I'm a little stumped on this one. Faith, thus attendance, has slumped, so the diocese is consolidating. Except the city won't allow the parish to close the building. Why don't they simply shut down the utilities and board up the windows? Save the building for a better day without forcing the diocese to pay the bills? At the very least, can't the city at least pay for the stained glass windows and other art works to be removed and reused? Or do we not consider art to be worth recycling?
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Posted by: DrJazz -
Mar. 23, 2010 7:47 AM ET USA
Needless to say, the city of Springfield plans to pay for all maintenance and upkeep of the closed parish from now onward. What's that you say? No? The government can tell you what to do with your property? I guess that means that there is no such thing as private property, just like it says in Catholic Social Teaching. Oh, wait, CST doesn't say that at all! To whom should the Diocese turn for redress? The government? Good luck.
