They just won't leave history alone

A new "chapel" is in the works for Plymouth Congregational Church (3400 Devon Road), which will be used for wedding parties and other events. This building with its commercial use will be right in the center of a single family neighborhood. The neighbors are not amused.

The building will be 43 feet tall and will be surrounded by a paved parking lot to accommodate all the additional required parking. Presently, the congregation parks on the grass.

There is a zoning board meeting on Monday, Sept 21, at 7:00 pm at City Hall, (3500 Pan American Drive). This is the fourth item on the agenda.

Neighbors are looking for assistance in support of the single family zoning. They feel that this is a mini-Mercy hi-rise or Ransom gymnasium type of assault on their little single family neighborhood. With the number of churches, synagogues and budhist temples and other religious groups hurting for money, they may all decide to get into some kind of commercial enterprise to make ends meet.

Commercial enterprises pay real estate taxes. Church enterprises do not. Regardless of where you live, if there is any kind of institution in you neighborhood, your zoning may no longer protect you. If you feel strongly against this type of zoning change, please attend the meeting.

Graphic by the Old Grover