Winnoski city leaders deny demolition permit of historic church
The board changed its decision from December after learning the church is listed on the state register of historic places.
The board changed its decision from December after learning the church is listed on the state register of historic places.
The board changed its decision from December after learning the church is listed on the state register of historic places.
An emotional debate in Winooski came to an end after about 80 neighbors petitioned to save a church.
The Winooski Development Review Board signed off Monday to reverse the demolition permit for St. Stephen Church on Barlow Street.
The city initially granted a demolition permit for the religious site, but petitioners said that the building was historic.
"Since the church itself wasn't registered, there was a lot of confusion there," Mayor Kristine Lott, Winooski, said. "The rectory is specifically on the registry. There is a brief mention in that paperwork of another building on the property being St. Stephen's Church."
The State of Vermont's Division for Historic Preservation concluded that the church is in fact on the registry. This is why the DRB reversed their original decision from December.
The building has been sitting empty since the church closed three years ago because of a priest shortage.
St. Stephen's is currently under the control of the board at St. Francis Xavier- another Catholic parish in Winooski. Representative with St. Francis Xavier Tom McCormick told NBC5 in a statement on Wednesday:
"Saint Francis Xavier Parish is disappointed - but not surprised - with the decision. The negative impact of this decision on the parish is significant. We are considering our options."
Mayor Lott said the future of St. Stephen's isn't final. St. Francis Xavier can appeal the DRB's decision.