In the course of our work on the Geneva Hispanic Church of God’s attempt to purchase the land we learned that many people following the issue wanted to know more about the Church and the property in question. Local photographer Jan Regan (Jan Regan Photography) went on location and produced some story-telling images of the site, and last Sunday’s services at the Church.
Regan’s photography nicely documents the land and people. The Church congregation consists of about 25 multi-generational families, mostly Puerto Rican American in background. The church itself is a refurbished, white washed garage. The city owned land in question is a small, wooded lot directly behind the Church. The congregation would like to clear some of the land, plant some grass, and put out a few picnic tables. Click here for Regan’s portfolio of images.
Tuesday, May 1
Property Sale Compromise in The Works: Photo Essay Highlights Church and Land
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2 comments:
I was not aware there was a church on that street. I'm now interested in checking it out and seeing what's going on there, especially after seeing the images. If Venuti's letter linked on the previous post about this situation holds any water, then not only the city, but the neighbors there apparently engaging in questionable actions, should be ashamed of themselves.
Sometimes when a city board is reviewing a proposal (like the planning board, zoning board, historic districts commission) they have a site visit where they go take a look at the property, talk to the owners, etc. just to
get a feel for the project. The pictures we posted served a similar purpose, to allow the public to see the land that is directly behind the church, at the end of a dead end street. The church graciously allowed Jan
Into their building to see the improvements they had made, to show the good stewardship that they provide and the way their faith informs their interest in
Improving that land. The Regan photos of the land, people, and facilities—
and their posting on the blog-- were approved by the congregation, as communicated by their attorney, Mr. Venuti. Regan did the work pro bono, and will donate the photos to the congregation.
There was nothing in the slideshow that was embarrassing to the church, the neighbors, or the City.
We disagree with Councilor Greco’s statement at the City
Council meeting that a picture of prayer is inappropriate or
somehow offensive.
There was a meeting between church and the neighbors and
apparently some councilors were invited to attend. We were not, but it is our understanding that the meeting ended in good will and it is not our intention here, or
anywhere else, to undermine that good will or to derail the
compromise that was reached between the affected parties.
So, we are printing your comment, but in doing so, we want to make our own position on the issue clear.
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