"Judge Diane R. Rubin found that the project is protected under the Dover Amendment, which lets religious institutions bypass local zoning when construction serves a religious purpose. The church grounded its decision in 'spiritual reflection' and scripture that calls on believers to shelter the unhoused and welcome strangers."
"'First Church Somerville is glad to have this decision and have this part of the journey be completed and start planning to welcome people to the shelter,' Rev. Jenn Macy stated, indicating the church's readiness to proceed with the shelter's opening."
"In 2024, the Somerville Homeless Coalition and the First Congregational Church of Somerville agreed to move the shelter to a renovated space at 89 College Ave. The building department approved the renovation permit, finding the shelter was an accessory church use protected by the Dover Amendment."
A Land Court judge ruled that First Church Somerville can establish a 26-bed homeless shelter in its basement, citing the Dover Amendment. This amendment allows religious institutions to bypass local zoning laws for projects serving religious purposes. The church's decision was based on spiritual reflection and scripture urging believers to shelter the unhoused. The Somerville Homeless Coalition will operate the shelter, which is set to open unless neighbors appeal the ruling. The church plans to notify neighbors 30 days before opening.
Read at Boston.com
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]