Ohio city, pastor in talks over 24/7 homeless ministry
An Ohio city has dropped criminal charges against a pastor over his around-the-clock ministry to the homeless and others in need of help while the two sides work to end the dispute that has landed in federal court.
A municipal prosecutor this week moved to dismiss code violation charges against the Rev. Chris Avell, pastor of Dad’s Place church, weeks after the church filed a federal lawsuit accusing the city of Bryan of trying to repeatedly harass and intimidate it. The city said it wanted to reserve the right to refile charges against Avell if needed.
The lawsuit remains pending, but a lawyer for the city told a federal judge Monday a mediation session last week “was productive and the parties continue to pursue resolution.”
Jeremy Dys, a lawyer for Avell, said Friday that Dad’s Place plans to continue to provide temporary shelter to people while it seeks to resolve disputes about the sanctuary’s zoning status and conditions.
Bryan Police charged Avell last month with 18 violations, saying the church was breaking the city’s zoning ordinance, lacked proper kitchen and laundry facilities and had unsafe exits and inadequate ventilation. The rented church building is beside a separate homeless shelter on Main Street in the city of about 8,600 in northwestern Ohio.
Dad’s Place said in a statement released late Thursday it will pursue building certifications, zoning permits and safety measures.
Church leaders decided almost a year ago to remain open aroundthe-clock as a temporary, emergency shelter.
They’ve said about eight people have stayed there on a typical night, a few more in bad weather.