Massachusetts

Judge Won't Block Demolition of 91-Year-Old Catholic Church

A Massachusetts judge has denied a preliminary injunction request from a group seeking to halt the razing of a 91-year-old Catholic church.

The Our Lady of Mount Carmel Preservation Society argued in its suit against the Roman Catholic Diocese of Worcester that Massachusetts law requires a state review of alternatives to demolition to minimize environmental harm.

In a decision issued Friday, a judge ruled that the society hadn't met the prerequisites for a preliminary injunction, including establishing a substantial risk of irreparable harm.

The Telegram & Gazette reports that the diocese's attorney contended an environmental review wasn't needed and the crumbling building is a public safety threat.

The Mount Carmel parish wasn't able to raise the $3.5 million needed for repairs before it merged with Our Lady of Loreto in 2017.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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