Residents and council split over Holy Spirit Church redevelopment; vote to send site to planning board fails

Community members filled public comment to oppose a proposed redevelopment of the former Holy Spirit Church block on Second Avenue, urging the City Council to reject a dense mixed-use plan and to preserve the building.

Multiple residents described parking shortages and neighborhood impacts. Jacob Cohen told the council he wanted the church saved "but not with what you want," urging conversion to artist residences rather than the developer's proposed office and café space. Bob Stevens, who identified himself as a preservationist, said the project's size "is a gigantic project" for a residential R-1 district and warned it would worsen an existing parking shortage.

Developer Joseph Hanna, who said he is the developer for the Holy Spirit Church site, told the council there are two options: "It's 6 single family houses or this redevelopment." Hanna said the redevelopment would include "18 affordable housing or income restricted dwellings" and argued the redevelopment would deliver more units and preserve the historic structure compared with the alternative.

Council discussion before the vote reiterated that the single formal action on the agenda was a resolution to authorize the planning board to study whether Block 2701, Lots 3701 to 705 Second Avenue is an "area in need of redevelopment." Council member Bez Anderson voted no, citing density and parking concerns. Council member Chapman voted yes, citing the chance to preserve the church and add affordable housing. Council member Clayton voted no. Deputy Mayor Quinn voted yes. Mayor Moore voted no. The motion to refer the site to the planning board failed on a 3-2 no vote.

Council and staff clarified the narrow scope of the item: the vote would only authorize the planning board to investigate and make a recommendation, not to adopt a specific project or a tax agreement. Council members, staff and the developer spoke in public after the vote. Several residents asked the council to consider alternatives, and speakers urged additional study of traffic, parking, and potential tax-break consequences before any final project approvals.

The council did not adopt a redevelopment designation at this meeting; the record shows continued community concern and a split among council members about balancing preservation, affordable housing and neighborhood impacts.