A Chillicothe church's demolition request has raised some concern about losing historical housing. Kevin Coleman was at a special meeting of the Design Review Board Thursday.
First Wesleyan Church at Mulberry and 5th streets has applied to the Design Review Board to replace three houses near them with parking and recreational space.
Chillicothe council member Deidre Nickerson attended, and asked how long the church planned to stay there. Senior pastor Jon Welch says they are committed to their location.
He said in the mid-1990s they questioned what they should do...and after prayers, felt they needed to recommit to their site. Part of their ministry to the neighborhood is in nearby Poland Park. He says they are expanding again.
Their November demolition of an 1840s brick house around the corner, outside of the purview of the Design Review Board, raised concerns. They say the house was in bad shape, but online comments criticized the loss of a historical canal-era building.
Welch says the church borrows parking from a nearby funeral home and insurance office, but it just isn't enough for growing daily church activities. (Hear an interview with him below.)
The chair of the board said they will make a decision in 90 days.
Kevin Coleman covers local government and culture for iHeart Media Southern Ohio. For stories or questions, contact the iHeart Southern Ohio Newsroom or Kevin Coleman
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