Plans for Sacred Heart Meet Neighborhood Opposition

By Randy Koniowka

For over 100 years, Sacred Heart Church has stood at the corner of Park and Forest Avenues on Van Schaick Island as a center of faith and family for generations of Cohoes Catholics. Built by French Canadian immigrants, the building is a landmark on the Island and in the City of Cohoes. Throughout it's rich and storied history, many came to Sacred Heart to celebrate, some came to mourn, but all came to pray.

However, since 2008, Sacred Heart Church has laid dormant, it's walls no longer reverberating with the sounds of the pipe organ. It's pews empty. It's spirit dark.

Citing lacking attendance, and the shortage of available priests, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany shuttered the building, as it has numerous churches throughout the Capital Region.

But a new day may be dawning for the landmark building. Life Abundant Ministries, led by Rev Timothy Fowler, is seeking to make Sacred Heart there new home. The congregation of roughly 20 families, is currently meeting at the Century House in Latham.

Rev. Fowler represented his congregation last night in seeking a use variance for the building at a meeting of the Zoning Board of Appeals. Because the building has been vacant for nearly two years, the zoning code required a variance, allowing for the building to be once again used as a church.

Nearly 45 residents of Van Schaick Island gathered to voice there opinions and concerns. Many who spoke were in opposition for Sacred Heart becoming a church once again.

"We don't need any more churches in the City of Cohoes," exclaimed Charles Scattergood of Park Avenue. "They are not going to be taxed, we need something that we can tax."

Tom McGrath of 3rd Street cited the fact that if Catholics could not support the building, why would another group be able to. He also brought of the issue of parking. "There is not enough parking in that area. What happens when the congregation grows to 50 or 100 people, there just won't be enough parking."

Rev. Fowler stated that he is willing to work with the community with any issues they might have. He said that the school district is constructing a new parking lot on Myrtle Avenue which might be able to be utilized by the congregation. He also stated that a shuttle bus could also be used, if necessary, to transport congregants to the church from various lots in the city.

The pastor also made clear to the neighborhood that the group is prepared to spend roughly 150,000 to restore the church to it's former glory. "Our members our very generous and I am willing to spend 12,000 out of my own pocket."

After nearly an hour of debate, the board unanimously approved the use variance. Board member Dan Kelly said it was the right decision. "It's great for a community to restore a historic building."

6th Ward Councilman Ralph Signoracci said that he was happy for those who will benefit. "I'm happy that the congregation will have a place for worship and that they are willing to work with the neighborhood in addressing their concerns. The board made a tough decision, but, I think it is for the betterment of the city. It could help prevent another eyesore or another Siliman Church.

Asked about the neighborhoods opposition, Signoracci said that he will work closely with the congregation to make sure that the concerns of the neighborhood are addressed. "I will work closely with the pastor to make sure that the quality of life on the Island remains as it always has."

Life Abundant Ministries has not yet closed on the property, but they are hopeful a deal will be worked out with the diocese in the coming months.

Rev. Fowler said he is looking forward to moving in and being a part of the community. "It is a beautiful building, we want to continue the tradition of Sacred Heart."