A Small Victory for Church Preservationists

Apr 11, 2003 11:20 AM EDT

A win today for a group opposed to the renovations of the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Rochester.

State Supreme Court Justice Robert Lunn Thursday denied a request by the city planning commission to dismiss an appeal.

The Sacred Heart Preservation Committee is trying to overturn a decision that denied landmark status for the Cathedral, the central church of the Rochester Roman Catholic Diocese.

Judge Lunn ruled Thursday that members of the committee are the very people impacted by changes to the Cathedral, and have a legal standing to proceed.

The two sides will be back in court May 1. Meanwhile, renovations to the church could begin this month.

By Albert H. Lee
chtoday_editor@chtoday.com