Decision on rezoning mansion in North Avondale for use as Catholic monastery expected in two weeks

It will take at least two weeks before The Legionaries of Christ find out if they'll be allowed to convert an old North Avondale mansion into a monastery over the objections of neighbors.

City zoning officials on Thursday heard testimony from those opposed the monastery and the controversial Roman Catholic order, which has applied for a conditional use permit for the house at 3980 Rose Hill.

Representatives of the order told the zoning board that it plans to use the property to house seven to 10 priests, lay missionaries, and religious brothers. It's original application said it planned to house ordained priests only.

Zoning Hearing Examiner David Sturkey said he would deliver a decision on the application in writing in two weeks.

The hearing followed a series of protests from neighbors concerned about the order's past sexual abuse allegations.

Some neighborhood residents said they were also worried the rezoning may set a precedent for other houses in the neighborhood.

MORE: Controversy follows Roman Catholic order seeking to open monastery