Residents expressed concern Tuesday about a local church?s plan to transform another church building into low-income housing for veterans.
Neighbors say the Reformed Church, led by Pastor Seth Kaper-Dale, has not taken into account how the veteran housing would affect the community. Kaper-Dale says services are no longer held at All Saints Episcopal Church in Highland Park, and that the facility could be renovated to create 11 apartments for veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan.
"They've put their lives on the line for this country and they come back and can't even get a good place to live,? Kaper-Dale says.
Some residents say the community does not offer the proper support for veterans, especially those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder or other effects of serving in the armed forces. Neighbors also say All Saints is an historical building that should be preserved.
Highland Park officials need to approve the project before the Reformed Church can purchase All Saints. Kaper-Dale says the project would cost at least $2-3 million, which would be paid for by government grants. If approved, the renovation could begin this year.