MIAMI – The City of Miami's Historic and Environmental Preservation Board delayed its ruling about granting a Catholic church in Brickell designation as a historical site.
St. Jude Melkite Catholic Church is being considered for the designation.
"I personally think it's one of the most beautiful churches in Miami, and it would be a shame not to designate it as a historic site," said Lourdes Wolfe-Marenus. "I mean if there's any chance the church could be destroyed or fall apart because of lack of care, it would be a real shame."
The church was built in 1946. Several people spoke in support of designating it a historic site.
But an attorney representing the church said its property rights are more important than having a historical designation. There are currently no plans to sell or demolish the church.
Some parishioners fear a developer may buy the property and demolish it.
"There's so much history there and it would be a shame not to do the right thing," said Wolfe-Marenus.
A decision was expected sometime Tuesday, but after two and a half hours of discussion, the board decided not to make a final decision on the matter. Instead, they requested more information in order to make a more informed ruling.
Parishioners found the delay encouraging because the board did not rule against the preservation effort.