Fight over St. John United could be over soon
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The fight over an old east side church appears to be coming to an end.
The congregation of St. John United Church of Christ says it is time to move to a new church. But, other people want to preserve the old building in Cumberland. They object to plans to replace the church with a new gas station and convenience store.
On Wednesday, the Metropolitan Development Commission approved a zoning change that favors the new project proposed by the Giant Eagle company.
The church sits on 4.8 acres at the busy northeast corner of German Church Road and East Washington Street.
Dr. Jimmy Watson, pastor of St. John, told the commission this has been “a very long and excruciating ordeal for members of our church.” He said “we’ve been in the process of selling this property for several years, now, and during that time we have received only two offers.”
Giant Eagle offered to back away from its offer. But, nothing better has been proposed.
Watson said the decision to sell is “not based on greed or insensitivity to the community.” He said the condition of the building requires it. “The current church foundation is cracking. The internal brick crumbles when you touch it. A portion of the wall in the basement is caving in,” Watson said.
He said a repair estimate in 2011 put the repair needs at more than of $750,000. Since that estimate was made, Watson said the condition of the building has grown even worse.
So, St. John is moving to a new site — and its members want their stained glass, their bell and other cherished church property for their new building.
The commission approved the zoning for Giant Eagle.
But since this still needs approval from the City-County Council, the preservationists still have a little hope they can save the building.
An attorney for the people seeking preservation argued there must be a better use for the site than another gas station, especially so close to a residential area. “Would you like a gas station in your backyard?” she asked.
The Metropolitan Development Commission voted to approve the zoning change requested by Giant Eagle. That vote still needs approval of the City-County Council.
The commission also approved the zoning for a Costco Warehouse on the south side.
The company wants to build one on County Line Road near Emerson Avenue.
Indianapolis has two other Costco warehouses, both on the north side.
Assuming the project goes as planned, they’ll have as many as 200 people working there, when the building opens.