Dallas family’s plan to save Addison’s only church, rich in Black history, hits NIMBY wall | SharonFGrigsby
As White Rock Chapel details are made clearer, can big-hearted neighbors gain traction over loud critics?
Stir in some unintentionally well-timed prayers and White Rock Chapel — a stalwart institution long before the town of Addison grew up around it — is on the verge of its best days yet. Wanda and Don were thrilled about the number of people of all ages and races who participated that day in both history-based conversations and the hard work of prepping the sanctuary’s interior for the planned renovation.
In July 2019, about a year after purchasing the chapel, Don and Wanda Wesson posed for a photo outside the historic facility. The current chapel is the third on this spot. A storm destroyed the first; the second, a majestic white-frame church, burned down in a suspected arson in 1960. The Wessons have long maintained they want to use the property solely for worship services and church-related activities. They say the term “special events” in their initial permit application, submitted in October, encompasses weddings, historical presentations, educational activities, Easter egg hunts and such.A Nov. 22 letter placed in resident mailboxes characterized the Wessons’ intent as a moneymaking endeavor in the guise of a church that will destroy the peace of the upscale community.
“The Wessons, who are so gracious, have been thwarted legally and immorally and everything else all along the way,” Louise told me. Baldwin acknowledged repeatedly that the first application lacked sufficient details. Now with the city staff’s written criticisms and neighborhood feedback in hand, the Wesson team will recraft and resubmit the document.Jan. 17 Planning and Zoning Commission meetingTown communications director Mary Rosenbleeth told me Addison has been a longtime supporter of the chapel, including both in efforts to secure the historical marker and a previous rebuilding of its fellowship hall.
Questions were answered — not always to every resident’s satisfaction — regarding issues such as parking, security, lighting and occupancy numbers. The architect’s estimate is that the chapel will seat about 50 people and the fellowship hall slightly fewer.“No, this is not an events center nor a place we will rent out to third parties.”
The McGoverns also attended a previous meeting, which they described as far angrier and accusatory in tone.
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