March 16, 2011

Diocese set restrictions on church sale

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Can’t do that…not in a (former) church

Perhaps a sign the real estate market is beginning to move, Our Lady of Mount Carmel church was sold as a residence.

In fact, the church is prohibited from becoming a number of things due to a set or deed restrictions imposed prior to the sale by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany.

The sold property cannot be used to carry a religious worship promoted or defined as Roman Catholic.

Be an abortion clinic or counseling facility or political action group that encourages such medical services.

Be an adult bookstore, an x-rated movie theatre or a topless bar. Or, finally, have a use or purpose that is “materially or significantly contrary” to the religious teaching of the Roman Catholic Church.

Ken Goldfarb, Albany Roman Catholic Diocese communications director, said the deed restrictions are a condition attached to every property sold by the diocese.

“Any time the diocese sells a property we include certain deed restrictions, it’s basically standard operating procedure regardless of where the property is located, whether it’s Granville or Glens Falls or Columbia County – it’s not unusual,” Goldfarb said.

A bulletin circulated at St. Mary’s said the sale netted $39,752.46 total profit less expenses incurred in readying the church for sale. Father Joe Arockiasamy confirmed Friday Mount Carmel had been sold as a residence last month. The Washington County Clerk Dona Crandall said Gisele Zeitler, a resident of Westbury, Nassau County purchased the church for $62,000. The closing took place Feb. 14 – Valentine’s Day.