The following update appeared in the November 18, 2001 bulletin for St. Joseph Church.

From the Pastor’s Desk

On Wednesday, November 7th, the Parish issued a press release stating our position relative to the newly acquired property at 5362 S. Main Street. As of this writing, it has not appeared in the news media. It is reprinted below, so that you are made aware of our willingness to work with those who are interested in preserving and moving the house. It is our understanding that a resolution in support of our proposal will be considered by Sylvania City Council on November 19, 2001.
 
 

Press Release

St. Joseph Parish in Sylvania made a significant proposal today to the City of Sylvania, the Sylvania Historical Society and State Senator Randy Gardner to facilitate the preservation of the house it recently acquired along South Main Street. The proposal expands on the Parish’s position that it is willing to work with interested parties to look at viable alternatives for preserving and moving the house.

The main points of the proposal are as follows:
 

• The Parish offered to swap land with the city and allow the house to be relocated on other land owned by the Parish that is adjacent to the existing location of the house and Harroun Park.

• The Parish has offered to contribute towards the cost of moving the house the amount that it will save as a  result of not having to raze the house in connection with its development of the site.

• The Parish has not specified a time frame for completing plans to relocate the house, but is willing to work with the City and the Historical Society so long as good-faith negotiations to move the house are making progress.

The acquisition and clearing of the site will make way for the construction of a new facility that will include classrooms, a gymnasium and physical education facilities, a multigenerational facility, meeting rooms and administrative offices. The development will also provide access to adjacent land owned by the Parish for use as athletic fields, recreation areas and green space.

Father Richard Wurzel, pastor of St. Joseph, said "St. Joseph Parish has been a part of the Sylvania community for over 125 years. We believe this proposal allows St. Joseph to proceed with a much needed expansion of our campus and curriculum and will allow St. Joseph and the residence to continue to be a part of Sylvania’s heritage. Members of our parish are prepared to begin working immediately with the City and the Historical Society to make this a reality. This will be a win/win situation for everyone involved."

St. Joseph Parish is one of the largest parishes in the Toledo Diocese serving approximately 3,000 families and 10,000 members.

                                                                                   Fr. Dick Wurzel