Parishioners favor church zoning change

INDIAN ORCHARD, Mass. (WWLP) - According to Immaculate Conception Church Spokesperson Kelly Tracy, the Indian Orchard Citizens Planning Council voted in favor of changing the zoning for the church Wednesday night.

With a unanimous vote, the council opted to change the church zoning to single residence only, so businesses would not be allowed to be located there.

Parishioners lobbied for the change, and although they do not want their church to close, they are pleased with the zoning decision.

Immaculate Conception parishioners filled the small clubhouse at Myrtle Street Park in Indian Orchard. They submitted a petition, and spoke in favor of making their church property residential, keeping businesses out when or if the church eventually closes.

"That way, if the worst case scenario does happen, we're looking to at least keep the neighborhood peaceful and quiet like it is an it will be our last goodwill effort to the community that's been so good to us for 100 years," said Tracy.

Father Bill Pomerleau from St. Jude's Catholic Church, is not in favor of the zoning law change. "Unfortunately I don't think that this is going to serve your community's interest, or the interest of the neighborhood."

He said if it were approved, something like a polish club or even an artisans gallery would not be allowed to be located there, something he thinks would be a detriment to the community.

Diocese Spokesman Mark Dupont tells 22News the diocese will work with outside consultant Colebrook Realty to sell the property, adding that none of the buildings will be marketed until long after the church is closed.

"They do property assessments they market the property, they work very closely with city and town governments as well, and that's very important. In many of these instances we've been able to work with local government to find a use that benefits the local community directly," stated Dupont.

The Indian Orchard Citizens Council will meet with parishioners about the zoning change again in two weeks, after that the matter will head to the planning board, then to the Springfield City Council.