Alexian Village’s request to sell alcohol despite its close proximity to several, what are now being called, churches located on-site is generating a lot of discussion about the town’s current location restrictions.
The issue could be decided at the rescheduled Signal Mountain Town Council meeting Monday, Jan. 30 at 11 a.m.
“If you’re not saying Mass, people just go in there to pray, then that’s a chapel,” said Vice Mayor Susan Robertson. “They’re saying Mass; that’s a church. They have scheduled [worship] times.”
When the retirement community brought its application to the town council, it argued that the religious establishments on its premises are more like chapels than churches, meant for private use by its residents. Some council members are upholding that definition.
“It’s a lay organization, it’s not part of the Catholic Church,” said Councilman Dick Gee.