First Amendment Land Use Rights, Or Legal Loophole?

Today's Tacoma, Washington News Tribune reports that the city of Tacoma has issued a final environmental review that permits First Methodist Church to demolish the historic First United Methodist Church Building. The city says that the church’s First Amendment rights require it to permit the demolition. Historic preservationists, however, say that the requirements of the law preserving historic landmarks are being evaded. It seems that Multicare Health System bought the church property in May for $8 million to use for expansion of two of its hospitals. However, when it appeared that there would be historic preservation problems with removing certain items from the sanctuary, the hospital system transferred the building back to the church so the church could apply for the demolition permit. The Washington Trust for Historic Preservation is considering whether to appeal the city’s decision.