Wednesday, November 26, 1997
Council closes street to accommodate church
By ANTHONY WILSON / Abilene Reporter-News
Despite the protests of neighboring homeowners, the Abilene
City Council closed two blocks of Highland on Tuesday to accommodate
a growing church.
With Highland blocked between South 3rd and South 5th, Highland
Church of Christ can expand across the roadway, connecting its
chapel with its children's center. The move will also protect
children crossing the street, church officials said.
"We believe this will make for a better neighborhood,"
said Gary Pullin, the church's architect.
But neighboring property owners decried the loss of access
on the side street to Sayles Boulevard. They also complained the
closure could result in flooding problems, lowered values and
blocked routes for emergency vehicles.
"How much more opposition is needed than what we've shown?"
said Russ Lehrer, 543 Highland. "It concerns me the influence
of an organization may override the opposition of citizens."
Don Helms, 535 Highland, added, "In this country, the
majority should have its rights."
The council unanimously approved the street closure with Don
Drennan, a church member, abstaining from the vote.
Mayor Gary McCaleb said he twice monitored the street and doesn't
believe many people will be inconvenienced. He noted city planners
and the Planning and Zoning Commission backed the move.
"I went and parked and watched the traffic flow,"
McCaleb said. "I didn't see the evidence this was going to
cause problems. But I did see proof it would solve problems. It
could be an improvement to the neighborhood."
The city's abandonment of the thoroughfare comes with conditions.
City Hall retains the easements for drainage, telecommunications,
water and sewer lines. If the church builds across those easements,
it must pay for their relocation. Fire truck access lanes also
must be maintained.
Fire Chief Bob Putnam assured the closure won't limit the access
of emergency vehicles. Andy Anderson, the city's chief engineer,
also downplayed flooding concerns.
Neighbors still weren't swayed.
"I use it just like I use my kitchen several times a day,"
Bonnie Miller said. "I think I'd oppose it if someone came
and tried to cut the kitchen off my house and say, 'You can cook
some other place.' "
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Abilene Reporter-News / Texnews / E.W. Scripps Publications
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