Dear Visitation Parishioners:

I’d like to update you on the plans that I’d first written to you about in the summer of 2019 – namely the sale of parish property and the construction of a Faith Formation Center adjacent to the church. 

As explained in my bulletin message from July 28, 2019 (see page 4), the proposed sale of the parish’s 34 acres was made known to the township from the outset. No proposals for land preservation were submitted at that time. Once we were under contract, and especially now at this late stage, the parish must honor the legal obligations of that contract or face potentially significant penalties.  The parish has no role in any discussion about an open space proposal; that would be a matter between the township or other interested party and the contract purchaser.  We have referred all inquiries to D.R. Horton.

It is important to note that we’ve been advised that the development proposal received from DR Horton was completely consistent with the Township’s Zone Plan and in keeping with the character of the surrounding properties. We were also informed that the application was not going to involve variances or any attempts to create greater density than that which is permitted under existing zoning.

The parish had two primary reasons to enter into a contract for the sale of this property:

1. First, we sought to relieve the parish of the $25,000 annual tax bill assessed for this tract of land by the township.

2. Second, we sought to raise additional money needed to begin construction of a new Faith Formation Center and associated structures on the property.  Through a capital campaign held in July of 2006, we had originally raised about $1.2 million towards this project. After learning of extensive site work that was needed before building could begin, we realized that the money raised was not enough. The project was indefinitely suspended, but the money raised has been put on reserve and will remain so until the time that we can begin. It cannot be used for any other purpose, nor will it be. The proceeds from the sale, combined with money from the capital campaign (which, due to prudent investment, has increased since it was first raised), will be used to construct and maintain a scaled-back Faith Formation Center on land still owned by the parish adjacent to the Rectory. This new building will be a vital part of forwarding the mission of the parish towards instructing and practicing the Catholic faith.

Horton’s application to the Township Planning Board to develop the property for single family homes has been postponed until March 21. Once that process is completed, we look forward to beginning preparations to launch our Faith Formation Center project, which will provide much-needed space for our parish programs and activities.

-Fr. Ed.
 

Last update 3/13/2022 16:00