By Patty Talahongva

    In a hot and stuffy room, packed full with concerned residents on both sides of the issue, tempers flared as a public hearing was held to determine if CrossRoads United Methodist Church at Central and Northern avenues is violating a zoning ordinance.

    Church officials say no, it is simply an aspect of their diverse ministry. The opposition says yes, they are in violation; by feeding the homeless on Saturday mornings, they are operating as a charity dining hall, opponents contend.

 

Amid shouts of “Amen” and sporadic clapping, both sides presented their case before retired state Supreme Court Justice Robert Corcoran, who presided over the contentious hearing on Oct. 22 in the Pulliam Auditorium at the Burton Barr Central Library. The public filled the room to capacity at 250 seats, with more lingering in the hall and listening.

    Mike Ricker, founder of Prodigal’s Home, which operates the Saturday morning breakfast and worship service, said he left corporate America because he had a calling. “I know that I am called by God to love people and this is the best way I know how to do it.”

    Dottie Escobedo-Frank, the pastor at CrossRoads, says they have addressed issues with some of the homeless who have wandered into the neighborhood. She added they also are working with the preschool, operated independently but located on the church campus, to keep those children safe.

    But nearby residents claim church staffers are not professionally equipped to handle most situations that arise because of the homeless visitors and, in many cases, don’t handle them in a timely manner. Neil Alden, an attorney who lives just north of the church, read a statement prepared at the request of the North Central Phoenix Homeowners Association, stating that the neighborhood was “under attack.”

    Mary Crozier, another resident opposed to the Saturday breakfast service, said it was not an issue of religion. She noted that several years ago a low-income housing project for American Indians was proposed for the area. That group went to the city and worked with the neighborhood and made some changes in their plans and eventually opened up their doors. She said they went through the proper procedures and were an excellent example of being a good neighbor.

    After the witnesses spoke, members of the  public were given one minute to make a statement. One woman offered her services as a mediator for the situation. Several ministers from other churches said they were concerned about how the ruling would impact their own ministries. The meeting lasted three hours, ending at 9 p.m.

    Corcoran’s legal opinion is expected about the middle of November, at which point the city’s zoning hearing officer will render his final decision on the case. The matter can be appealed by either side to the city’s Board of Adjustment.