Neighbors sue to stop plans to demolish historic church

HAMILTON, Mont. (AP) - A group of Montana homeowners have filed a lawsuit challenging the demolition of a historic church.

The Ravalli Republic reports the group’s complaint, filed Thursday in Ravalli County District Court, claims the City of Hamilton’s Board of Adjustments abused its discretion when it approved a conditional use permit and variances to allow the Roman Catholic Bishop of Helena to demolish and rebuild the 122-year-old St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Hamilton.

A church official says plans are moving forward to raise the estimated $3 million required for the project. A Missoula timber frame salvage company is expected to begin tearing down the building next January with construction of the new building to start in March 2020.

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Information from: Ravalli Republic , http://www.ravallirepublic.com