Subsidized Housing Project Attacked on Establishment Clause Grounds

The Washington Post last week reported that opposition to a government subsidized affordable housing project in Arlington County, Virginia has turned into a church-state argument. To find space for housing near the suburban D.C Metro station, the county will pay subsidies to a developer who will build apartments over the First Baptist Church of Clarendon. A non-profit group bought air rights over the church last year. A new sanctuary will also be constructed, and the church and housing project will share an entrance, lobby and elevator. Opponents argue that the subsidies are really a way to bail out a church that is in financial difficulty. A federal district court will hear arguments tomorrow on a motion to dismiss the complaint that alleges Establishment Clause violations. [Thanks to Robert Tuttle for the lead.]