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Commission Approves Demolition Of Historic Cumberland Church

A dispute over the fate of a historic church in Cumberland is one step closer to ending.

The Metropolitan Development Commission voted 4-2 Wednesday in favor of Giant Eagle, Inc., a Pittsburgh-based grocer that wants to demolish the church and build a convenience store and gas station on the property.

The century-old Saint John Church of Christ is in need of repair — in February, the Rev. Jimmy Watson described it as "crumbling" — and the church says it can't afford the cost.

The Indianapolis Business Journal reports that church officials estimate that cost to be at least $750,000.

A Facebook group in support of saving Saint John Church of Christ has more than 5,000 likes.

The plan to demolish the structure now requires approval from the Indianapolis City-County Council.