Ohio church, short on cash, wants gas drilling
STOW, Ohio (AP) — A financially struggling church here has run into trouble getting neighbors to approve natural gas drilling on church property.
Stow Community United Church of Christ in an upscale Akron suburb needs the approval of neighbors living within 300 feet to allow drilling. Two of 20 owners have balked at signing because of safety and property-value concerns.
If the families don’t approve, the church could appeal directly to the state for permission.
One neighbor says it’s un-Christian to force the drilling on wary neighbors.
The aging congregation is down to about 140 members and only half contribute. Drilling would provide the church and neighbors with royalties and the church with gas.