The Morris City Council approved a plan proposed by Enon Baptist Church to begin work on a new parking lot to accommodate its growing numbers.

The plan was approved 3-1 by the council in a meeting Tuesday night. Councilman Charles Densmore, who presided over the session in the absence of Mayor Craig Drummonds, was the lone no vote with Philip Dillard, Joe Pylant and Clovis Laney voting yes. (Councilwoman Lynn Aguirre was also absent.)

The plan was opposed by some Morris residents, particularly Misti Bartlett, who owns the historic Snow Rogers House adjacent to the proposed lot. The plan will result in paving over part of the landscape that is near Barlett’s home.

The Snow Rogers house, built in 1898, and another nearby house owned by Chris and Beth Boothe — built in 1918 — will be most directly affected by the new lot. They are separated from the church by a group of trees.

The buildings themselves will not suffer damage, but the owners’ concern is over property value and also on aesthetic grounds, the concern being that neighborhood residents would be uncomfortable with the sight of the parking lot.

The Snow Rogers house was recently chosen by the Alabama Historical Commission for entry in the Alabama Registry for Landmarks and Heritage. 

“These selected Alabama landmarks are worthy of both recognition and preservation,” stated a letter by the commission to Barlett. 

Enon pastor John Hambright urged the council to approve the zoning. 

Lawrence Corley, an architect specializing in church design, went over the details of the plan for future buildings that would require the new parking lot. He said that any water issues have been remedied. 

David Schneider, executive director of Alabama Trust for Historic Preservation, has strongly expressed support for Barlett and the Boothes. Schneider told the council about his concern for the historical houses, saying that the plan would “change the character of the landmarks.”

Barlett’s attorney, Hayes Brown, argued that the property was residential and not institutional, therefore, Enon Baptist would be harming the image of Morris.

Just before the vote, Bartlett again urged the council to deny the church’s plan. “I’ve worked very hard,” she said. “And I’m very proud of this house.” 

Chris Boothe also spoke in opposition to the plan.

Bartlett said that she would continue to fight the decision.

(This update contains various corrections from a version that was posted briefly on our website Tuesday night.)