[ad_1]
Vermont Supreme Court Clears Way for Demolition of Burlington Church
MONTPELIER, Vt. (WCAX) – The Vermont Supreme Court has ruled that the demolition of Burlington’s Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception can proceed, dismissing an appeal from a local historic preservation group. The church, built in the late 1970s, was closed in 2018, and since then, the Catholic Diocese has sought to demolish the structure as part of its deconsecration process.
The decision stems from an earlier ruling by an Environmental Court judge in February, who agreed with the Diocese’s position that the church must be torn down. However, this decision was challenged by a group of ten citizens who contended that the Diocese was primarily motivated by potential real estate interests rather than the religious deconsecration of the building.
In a ruling released on Friday, the Vermont Supreme Court upheld the lower court’s decision, allowing the Diocese to move forward with demolition plans. The court’s decision is a significant development in a contentious dispute that has drawn the attention of preservationists and locals alike. The Diocese is now expected to begin demolition operations later this winter.
Historic preservation groups expressed disappointment over the ruling, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the church as part of Burlington’s architectural heritage. The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, although constructed only a few decades ago, has been a focal point of community discussions regarding development and preservation in the area.
The Diocese maintains that the demolition is a critical part of their deconsecration process, paving the way for future use of the site. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen what impact this decision will have on the community and the ongoing dialogue surrounding historic preservation in Vermont.
Copyright 2024 WCAX. All rights reserved.
Source
Photo credit www.wcax.com
