Opposing forces are squaring off over the Scientologists' plan to open a church Downtown.
A Jan. 11 variance hearing at the Albuquerque Planning Department could determine whether the Church of Scientology of New Mexico will finalize its purchase of a prominent Central Avenue building. The hearing will determine if the church should be issued a conditional use permit for the site.
The opposition says the church does not fit into the Downtown 2010 Sector Development Plan. The Scientologists say the plan does not preclude such use.
The building, at 410 Central Ave. SW (between 4th and 5th Streets), houses The Gizmo Store. It was once a JC Penney. The building and the store are owned by James and Rose Schneider, who are working with the church to obtain the variance.
