Lafayette urged to stop demolition of church-owned home

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (AP) - Opponents are urging an Indiana city to stop a Roman Catholic church from demolishing a 19th century house to make way for a new rectory.

Lafayette's board of works on Tuesday declined to waive a 60-day waiting period for a demolition permit. But beyond that step, city attorney Ed Chosnek says the city has no control over what St. Mary Cathedral does with the property.

The Lafayette Journal & Courier says the church is planning to demolish a two-story red brick Italianate house. More than 2,000 people have signed a petition opposing it. Even a member of the parish council, Walter Griffin, says demolition "would be a big scar on the community."

St. Mary's attorney, Joe Bumbleburg, says he'll give a report to church officials about the board of works meeting.

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Information from: Journal and Courier, http://www.jconline.com