Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Perth Amboy will be allowed to move forward on a proposed expansion project.

The church wants to build a community center and senior housing on its property.

Church members crammed a city council meeting Wednesday night planning to plead their case after receiving some opposition. But the council granted them a chance to have their own public hearing to address questions or concerns.

The church says that revenue from the planned condos will help keep the church afloat financially. They also say that it would not affect parking or traffic.

There has been backlash from a group called the 1683 Society. The group went so far as to send the church a letter saying that the project was a bad idea.

The letter said in part, “The 1683 Society feels that without knowing the facts of the property's potential use, this action disregards the residents and harms the character and feel of this historic, waterfront neighborhood."

Future public hearings are scheduled to be held on the matter as it moves forward.