Panel to decide fate of Indy church facing demolition

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) – An Indianapolis zoning board is set to vote on a proposal that would move a century-old church closer to demolition to make way for a convenience store.

The Indianapolis Metropolitan Development Commission is scheduled to vote Wednesday on a rezoning request for St. John United Church of Christ on the city’s far east side.

Two previous hearings on the matter had been continued.

Church officials who’ve seen their congregation dwindle have agreed to sell the property to Pittsburgh-based Giant Eagle, which wants to demolish it and build a convenience store and gas station on the site.

But local officials have fought that proposal.

Cumberland Town Manager Andrew Klinger says the town wants the brick church reused for a mixed-use development that preserves the historic building as a landmark.