The streets of Belvidere are expected to be quite crowded tonight as the controversy over a church expansion leaves the pews for a march to city hall.

UPDATE: Belvidere City Council Approves St. James Parish Project

 

Posted: 11:27 PM Sep 6, 2011
Reporter: Meghan Dwyer

Updated: 12:21 AM Sep 7, 2011

UPDATE: Belvidere City Council Approves St. James Parish Project

The streets of Belvidere are expected to be quite crowded tonight as the controversy over a church expansion leaves the pews for a march to city hall.

Posted: 11:27 PM Sep 6, 2011
Reporter: Meghan Dwyer

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Church Praying for a New Location

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• by Cas Location: Rockford on Sep 7, 2011 at 09:38 AM

  I was deeply saddened to hear they want to tear down the St. James and put in a new one somewhere else. I grew up just down the street from that church. Its an icon and example of how Belvidere used to be. I think building a new church would be a mistake.

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  by joyce Location: rockford on Sep 7, 2011 at 09:17 AM

• I understand that the diocese owns other property on the outskirts of Belvidere. Why can't they build there and preserve both the old church and residential surrounding neighborhood? Makes a lot more sense to me!

   

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  by Stephen Harris Location: Belvidere Resident on Sep 7, 2011 at 08:54 AM

• The new church is a great boon for Belvidere and the parishioners of St. James. Investments in our community are necessary and foster further growth. The Aldermen made the right decision.

   

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  by Stephen Harris Location: Belvidere Resident on Sep 7, 2011 at 08:54 AM

• The new church is a great boon for Belvidere and the parishioners of St. James. Investments in our community are necessary and foster further growth. The Aldermen made the right decision.

   

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  by Stewart Location: Belvidere on Sep 7, 2011 at 08:26 AM

• I am very happy about this. As for the comments below, learn the facts before you critize the decisions being made. Yes, parking can be a problem, but even on Easter, there was plenty of street parking available in the area. Now the church has dramtically increased parking and IS TO CODE, and they still complain. Some people will never be happy.

  by Matt Location: Belvidere on Sep 7, 2011 at 07:52 AM

• The old church will be a parking lot. And besides, I think people are well aware when they move next to a church there will be people parking around their neighborhood. If this is the only complaint nowadays then I think you are worrying about the wrong issues. And John, WE DO need a bigger church! Do you go there? If not then how would you know? Casting stones is easy to do isn’t it?

  by Tiffanie Location: Rockford on Sep 7, 2011 at 01:15 AM

• I'm sorry but I think this was a dumb idea. 1 they want to tear down one of Belvidere's oldest buildings, where the heck are all these people going to park?!?!? They are already ticking off the neighbors because they park in front of their homes when they need that spot. I know some people who can't LEAVE on a Sunday morning or holiday because they will lose their parking spot. There are lots of other spots they could build that would make more sense.