Pastor: Landmark label is of some concern

Church members will have mixed feelings about a historical designation.
By TIM YOVICH
Vindicator Trumbull Staff
CORTLAND -- The pastor of Cortland United Methodist Church says he's uneasy with the possibility that the 170-year-old church building could be designated a historical site.
The Rev. Dave Vensel said he believes that if the city designates the building a "landmark property," it might lower rather than increase the value of the North Mecca Street property.
On Thursday by a 3-2 vote, the Cortland Planning, Zoning and Building Commission recommended that city council approve the creation of the Cortland Landmark Commission.
The landmark commission would set maintenance standards for properties designated "landmark properties" because of their historical value to the community. Such properties include the church.
"I'm uncomfortable with that," the Rev. Mr. Vensel said Friday.
He said the project will be good for the city but not necessarily for the church.
The church membership will have mixed feelings about being part of the historic program and may vote not to participate, Mr. Vensel said.
Plans call for the church to sell its current building and move into a new facility on 10 acres it owns along Everett-Hull Road, just west of Ridge Road in Bazetta Township.
What's happening
Mr. Vensel said the 350 church members are involved in raising more than $2.2 million to build a new facility. The church doesn't have the money yet and no timeline has been set for construction to get under way.
But when the church does pull out of the city, it wants to sell the old church, using the money to pay for the new church.
Atty. Patrick Wilson, city law director, said during a Thursday public hearing on the issue that those who have the historical-site designation would have to inform a prospective buyer of the restriction.
It would be the responsibility of the committee to set the guidelines, if the program is approved by council.
Mayor Curt Moll said a property may be of greater value to the community than to the owner.
Those supporting the creation of a landmark commission say it will have to use "common sense" in dealing with situations such as the church property.
Mr. Vensel said among the reasons the decision was made to build a new church are that the current church is in disrepair and it's less expensive to build new. Also, the church doesn't have any room to expand.
The minister said the church needs more parking and a multipurpose room for worship and athletics. Using dividers, it can be used for small group meetings.
Here's a worry
Mr. Vensel expressed concern that the church members may be forced to maintain the current church building or prevent it from being demolished by a new owner.
As a result, the church may not be able to sell the building, the pastor said.
If the church is given the historical designation by the landmark commission, the church can appeal not to participate in the program. That could mean taking the issue to court.
"It seems awfully expensive and unnecessary," Mr. Vensel said.
yovich@vindy.com