A Chillicothe church now has permission to demolish three houses on South Mulberry Street.
First Wesleyan Church at Mulberry and 5th had applied to the Design Review Board to replace three houses near them with parking and recreational space.
The board needed to make a decision within 90 days, and listened to concerns about loss of housing and many demolitions by churches in the area.
The church said, after approval, they would not clear the site until all the preliminary fundraising and planning is done and they could act quickly so the site would not sit empty too long.
The board was reluctant to vote since they are lacking two members that council needs to appoint...but eventually gave unanimous approval.
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