Parishioner Tim Carlyle said he thought that, after the December hearing on the project, the only concern was parking.
"And it was a legitimate concern," Carlyle said. "St. Mary's, like other churches, doesn't pay taxes, but it is a contributor to the community. It provides an asset to the community."
Councilwoman Toni Iseman said voting against the church project was difficult.
"This church has been a leader in taking care of the community, and it's hard to deny them, but we have to put on blinders," Iseman said.
