Christian Science Church Parking Lot Approved by Historic Preservation Commission

The First Church of Christ, Scientist won approval from the Haddonfield Historic Preservation Commission to construct a parking lot behind its building in the 300 block of Kings Highway East.

The proposal was fought by nearly 40 neighbors who turned out at the HPC hearing this week. Neighbors argued the parking lot would mar the historic district and eliminate several old-growth trees. The HPC had turned down a similar request from the church in 2011 after neighbors complained.

The church now plans to develop a grass parking lot as opposed to asphalt. The HPC voted 4 to 1 on Wednesday to approve the church's application. The only no vote came from HPC Chairwoman Lee Albright, who said the commission frequently does not approve parking lots in the borough's historic district.

The HPC is an advisory body for the planning and zoning boards, which provide final rulings on land use. It was not immediately reported if the parking lot application will be on the next zoning board meeting scheduled for Aug. 20.