Catholic Church Says Historic Designation of Building Infringes Its Rights

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield, Massachusetts says that its First Amendment rights are threatened by the city's move to declare Our Lady of Hope Church an historic district. The Springfield Republican reports today that a final vote on the proposal, already approved by the Historical Commission and by a preliminary vote in City Council, is scheduled for Tuesday. The Italian Renaissance style church will close Dec. 31, as the parish is being merged. However some members petitioned for the historic designation to save the distinctive building erected by Irish immigrants in 1925. The diocese says the designation will make it more difficult to sell or redevelop the building, and questions whether one building alone can be declared an historic district. If the designation is approved, no changes to the exterior of the building could be made without Historical Commission approval.