Decision invites other problems

To the editor:This is a tremendously dangerous precedent that has been established by Mayor Jay Knudtson and the Cape Girardeau City Council. Allowing a church free rein in a residentially zoned area could prompt other churches and citizens to abuse zoning laws in the city.

I'm disappointed that Mayor Knudtson chose not to be a patriot and take a stand against another special-interest group that is attempting to dictate policy in our government by dangling a lawsuit in order to get what it wants. It's clear that this church does not have the best interests of the community in mind, or it would have moved its food-distribution operation to a commercially zoned area as the city suggested. I'm sure the church has done much to assist those who need it in our community as many churches in this area have. But that does not give it the right to disobey established laws that countless others in the city have been able to comply with for a long time. It doesn't make you anti-religion or anti-poor because you are opposed to this.

Families who purchased homes in the area surrounding the church bought those homes with the understanding that they where in a residentially zoned area. They have a right to not want an operation like that in their neighborhood, and they have the right to challenge the council decision, as I hope they will in order to protect the sanctity and freedom of the homes and neighborhoods we live in.

JAMES LENTS, Cape Girardeau