[gridlock]

What the article does not explicitly spell out is that if the sale is not approved by the Congregation, the town has indicated that they will condemn the property under eminent domain.

The portion of the structure to be demolished includes the classrooms, the bathrooms, handicap access ramps and the kitchen. The remaining structure would be basically non-functional at that point.

In a blatant attempt to twist arms, the town has told the church that if they do not approve the sale, they will send an inspector through the entire property, including the sanctuary, to document any code or building deficiencies, and the estimated cost of correcting these deficiencies will be deducted from the compensation under any eminent domain proceeding.

[metmom]

Makes...blood...boil...

[NonValueAdded]

"We were under the impression that this property was being underutilized."

And there you have the underlying premise: use it or lose it.

[johniegrad]

I wonder if the Church can't make this work to their advantage. Being next to a hotel with condos and shops could increase their attendance on Sundays. Whenever I am visiting other places, one of the first things I check out is where I can go to Mass. Some of these urban churches could potentially benefit from the arrangement. I do not condone the use of eminent domain for this purpose however.