[ad_1]
Vermont Supreme Court Approves Demolition of Burlington’s Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
BURLINGTON, Vt. — The long-vacant Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, which has stood empty since its closure in 2018, is set to be demolished following a ruling by the Vermont Supreme Court. The decision, announced on Friday, allows the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception Trust to move forward with the demolition of the building located in downtown Burlington, across from CityPlace.
Once a significant religious site, the building, constructed in the 1970s, was closed due to financial difficulties and has since fallen into disrepair, accumulating graffiti and being surrounded by fencing. Efforts to deconsecrate and demolish the cathedral faced significant hurdles as members of Preservation Burlington contested the decisions through lawsuits and appeals. However, the recent ruling has put an end to those disputes.
John Franco, legal counsel for the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception Trust, emphasized the complexity involved, stating, “Demolishing the cathedral was a part of a religious process that the Catholic Church has under Canon Law; it took three years to gain required approval from the Vatican.” The Supreme Court acknowledged that such matters fall under religious determinations per the Vermont Planning Act, leading them to refrain from interference.
The trust plans to commence demolition during the upcoming winter. While a sale agreement for the land has been established, the future of the site remains unclear. Prospective buyers will need to secure new zoning permits and navigate various applications before any new developments can take shape, indicating a lengthy process ahead.
As Burlington anticipates change in its downtown landscape, the once-grand cathedral will soon make way for new possibilities.
Source
Photo credit www.mynbc5.com
