ST. LOUIS • An appeal has been filed challenging the city’s decision to issue the New Life Evangelistic Center an occupancy permit that would allow it to function as a church.
The permit, issued in November, gives the center the green light to reopen, but not as a homeless shelter, said Building Commissioner Frank Oswald. It can’t shelter homeless St. Louisans overnight as it has done in the past, and the building needs more than $300,000 in renovations and repairs before it can open its doors.
In a hearing Thursday before St. Louis’ Board of Building Appeals, a group of residents and business owners appealing the decision called for the permit to be vacated and the matter to be sent back to the city’s Building Division for further review.
Elkin Kistner, the attorney representing the appellants, said the renovated building proposed under NLEC's plans would pose a danger “not only to occupants, but (threatens) the health and safety of nearby passersby, neighbors and neighboring structures.â€
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Additionally, Kistner and witnesses alleged, the center’s true intent is to resume operating as a homeless shelter as quickly as possible.
“It’s clear from their admissions, from their plans, from their history, that they’re going to operate a homeless shelter,†said Matt O’Leary, one of the residents appealing the permit. “They’ve indicated essentially the only people in their congregation are going to be the homeless.â€
Todd Lubben, the attorney representing the center and the Rev. Larry Rice, firmly disputed that assertion, arguing NLEC has every right to get back into property it owns.
“This is New Life’s fresh start. They are not trying to open an overnight homeless shelter,†he said. “This is their building permit to open their building during the day, to operate a church and related church functions.â€
New Life Evangelistic Center was shuttered by the city last year  after a long legal battle. The city alleged that the privately run homeless shelter at 14th and Locust streets was chronically filled beyond its legal capacity, violated numerous city building codes and was causing crime and disruption in the neighborhood.
Proposed renovations include new bathrooms and plumbing, multiple fireproof doors, and an additional sprinkler system, Rice said.
In addition to worship services, Rice says the center will house laundry facilities for the homeless, a “free store†where people can pick up donated clothing and space for classes. The hope, he said, is for the center to serve as a home base where people can come to seek other shelter options or rehousing programs.
The Board of Building Appeals isn’t expected to make a decision until early 2019.
