Community meeting draws passionate debate over renovation plans that would demolish 95-year-old building

By John Summers, WBR Independent

A packed community meeting at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church on Wednesday evening June 25th revealed deep divisions over parish renovation plans that would demolish the historic St. Francis Hall to make way for new construction.

The meeting, moderated by Jason Manola, drew dozens of parishioners to discuss a $1.35 million renovation project that would tear down the 95-year-old hall and build new office space and Christian formation classrooms.

The Building Committee's Plan

The maintenance committee presented their case for demolition and new construction. They cited numerous problems with the existing St. Francis Hall:

• Asbestos contamination in the office floor and kitchen drywall
• Failing floor support systems
• Electrical systems not up to code
• No fire or smoke protection systems
• Inadequate heating and cooling (a 5-ton unit trying to cool 1,212 square feet)
• Structural deterioration

"This building is woefully inadequate for what we need," said a maintenance committee member, noting that the hall is "half the size of what we need" for current parish activities.

The proposed plan would demolish St. Francis Hall and build a new structure connecting the office building with the Christian formation building. The maintenance committee emphasized they planned to salvage materials from the historic building to incorporate into the new construction.

The Preservation Coalition

Several parishioners spoke passionately about preserving St. Francis Hall, emphasizing its historical significance rather than mere sentimentality.

One longtime parishioner argued for preservation, saying the building represents "our legacy, our history" for families who have attended the parish for generations.

The building's history traces back to its origins as St. Francis Chapel at Sardine Point before being moved to its current location in 1929. Multiple speakers noted the deep family connections spanning generations.

Alternative Uses Proposed:

• Adoration chapel
• Youth group meeting space
• Women's ministry facility
• Adult formation classroom
• Rental venue for small events
• Coffee shop

The Compromise Position

Several speakers advocated for middle-ground solutions, including moving the historic building to another location on the church property rather than demolishing it entirely.

One parishioner who supported preservation while acknowledging practical needs suggested exploring relocation: "I would move it back more to another location because we're running out of parking space."

The suggestion gained traction as a way to address both the parish's space needs and preserve the historic structure.

Financial Considerations

The project carries a price tag of $1.35 million, with the parish planning to take a loan for $400,000 at 3.5% interest - resulting in monthly payments of approximately $2,700 for 20 years.

Asbestos remediation alone could cost $20,000 or more for any renovation of the existing building. However, several parishioners indicated willingness to contribute additional funds specifically for preservation efforts.

"I actually had some people tell me they would pull money out of their wallet if they save the building," one attendee noted.

Communication Breakdown

A recurring theme throughout the meeting was criticism of the maintenance committee for advancing a demolition plan that many felt exceeded their intended scope of building repairs and maintenance. Several speakers questioned why a committee formed to maintain existing buildings was proposing major demolition and new construction.

"The building committee has dug a hole," acknowledged one supporter of the committee. "The hole they dug was simply not communicating."

Father John defended the maintenance committee's work while acknowledging the oversight: "In all of our discussions, we never discussed the historical significance or family connections to St. Francis Hall."

Looking Forward

The meeting concluded without a formal vote, but with broad consensus that additional community input was needed before any final decisions.

Suggestions for next steps included:

• Forming a committee with historians to evaluate preservation options
• Having the parish council facilitate additional public meetings
• Exploring costs for moving the building versus demolition
• Investigating professional historic preservation services

One speaker noted that effective compromise would require both sides to give up something: "Not everybody's going to get 100% of what they're looking for, but I think we as a church community can come together."

The parish council will likely take up the matter at their next meeting, with additional community input sessions expected before any final decision on the fate of St. Francis Hall.

The WBR Independent will continue following this story as the parish works toward a resolution that balances preservation concerns with practical facility needs.

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