Virginia Beach Church and Community Arrive At An Agreement
After a lengthy dispute, Emmanuel Episcopal Church was given the go ahead that it could build an expansion 12 years ago. The City sought to condemn where the Church expanded into. The City has finally come to an agreement as to a fair exchange of property and payment of just compensation. This might look like a total victory for the Church, but, at best, the action will make the Church whole.
The lay leadership of the Church should be proud of its responsible decision making so that a reasonable result was finally arrived at.
Church leaders have said that about 12 years ago, before renovating their parish hall and building a preschool, they asked city officials whether there were plans to work on the intersection. They said they were told no and proceeded with the $2 million school construction.
Two weeks after the church dedicated the school, the city announced plans to realign the intersection, including taking a half-acre of the church's property, church officials have said.
When the project is finished, the six-lane road will be 70 feet from the church's preschool. Church members called that proximity a threat to student safety.
