Historical Commission says demolition permit for old church can stand

THE CITY'S Historical Commission on Friday allowed a permit to demolish the historic Church of the Assumption to stand, even though the building has a new owner.

"This commission unanimously found that the permit does apply to the current owner and is not subject to the ownership of the building but the building itself," said commission chairman Sam Sherman, after a closed-door executive meeting.

The city's Board of Licenses and Inspection Review had asked the commission to provide its opinion on whether the permit was valid under the new owner, developer John Wei. Wei bought the 164-year-old Gothic church, which has historical ties to Catholic saints John Neumann and Katherine Drexel, from a nonprofit for $1.12 million.

The Callowhill Neighborhood Association is fighting to save the church. Attorney Sam Stretton, who represents the association, said, "The new owner . . . has no hardship. He's not a nonprofit."

Andrew Ross, chief deputy city solicitor, disagreed.

"Hardship is about what it takes to deal with the property," said Ross, adding that the city can't differentiate between individuals based on income.

The case will now return before the Board of Licenses and Inspection Review.