|
|
|
| Tue, Nov. 10 - - Mobile - RSS | |
|
|
Church's plans are worrying neighbors
Residents of College Heights respond to St. Mary's plans to expandDate published: 8/21/2008 BY JONAS BEALS In January, St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church plans to begin a project to expand its rectory and activity center. The church on William Street in Fredericksburg is one of the largest in the area, with an estimated congregation of 14,000. The College Heights Civic Association recently said it would oppose any special-use permits that could alter the single-family residential character of the neighborhood. The organization's stance is, in large part, a response to the church's expansion plans. The greatest concern to residents is the possible razing of three houses owned by the church, an expanded parking lot and an exit/entrance onto Augustine Avenue behind the church. Residents are also concerned about plans to expand a school on the church's property. St. Mary has a preschool there now. Holy Cross Academy, a Catholic school in Stafford County affiliated with St. Mary, would move its kindergarten and its first and second grades to the expanded church. Many worry that expansion would increase traffic, particularly on Augustine Avenue and Royston Street. Currently, parishioners access the parking lot from William Street and Stafford Avenue. So far, the only plan St. Mary has submitted is for a small boundary-line adjustment between the church's main parcel and 1101 Stafford Ave. Church officials have said discussions should wait until plans are concrete. PETITIONS CIRCULATED College Heights residents Trish and Tommy Williams, working independently of the civic association, circulated a petition against the church's proposal last month. "I don't think everyone knows what's going on, so I decided to start a petition." Tommy Williams said. "I want the church to know how everyone feels." The petition asks the Planning Commission and City Council to deny any new special-use permits. It also opposes the demolition of any houses, any new access points for auto or foot traffic, relocation of any classes from Holy Cross, and consolidation of residential parcels into the larger parcel of St. Mary. Petitions have been circulated, and 163 signatures have been collected so far. According to accounts of a May civic association meeting, only one of about 40 residents spoke in favor of the church's plans. 'GOOD NEIGHBOR' Fredericksburg City Councilwoman Kerry Devine lives in College Heights, and has heard residents' concerns.
Read more stories about Spotsylvania Date published: 8/21/2008
Let's think this out...
(posted by
RahOoh
, Aug. 21, 2008 11:17 pm)
What?
(posted by
sunshineprncs
, Aug. 21, 2008 12:04 pm)
You really can't make people happy. The church is growing, which is a good thing, Fr. Rooney is doing the best he can. Besides, the church and surrounding grounds are beautiful, its not like we are trying to put up some hideous monstrosity of an eye sore.. Personally if I lived nearby, I'd much rather deal with the church expanding its parking lot and grounds than have people parking in front of my driveway.
parking
(posted by
P2B12
, Aug. 21, 2008 11:03 am)
so the Church is trying to address our crowding issues but the neighborhood is still not happy. The Church isn't moving. My understanding is St Mary's has purchased some adjacent properties with the hopes of expanding facilities AND parking.
Parking is always going to be an issue in that area....
We've already moved Easter services to the Expo once (hopefully that will continue). Did the neighbors notice? Were they happy with the reprieve?
Peace.
Already a problem
(posted by
travelin_bone
, Aug. 21, 2008 9:35 am)
parking and foot traffic are a big problem and it won't be improved by expansion. I can't tell you have many people I've almost hit and door I've almost taken off in that tight space on Stafford Ave. They need to understand they have simply outgrown that site and build another branch elsewhere. While I agree some in College Heights have a NIMBY attitude, we are bound by asphalt on all sides, we have no room for anything else! This is an old neighborhood, not set up for heavy traffic flow.
College Heights
(posted by
Mandrake
, Aug. 21, 2008 9:13 am)
implies that there is a college in the neighborhoodd..(now a U). So what does the church expansion do to the neighborhood that the U hasn't already done. Just another NIMBY...grow up!
|
 |
|||
|
|||
