Open Dialogue with Mr. Fazio
(Please be advised that this is the opinion of members in opposition to Mr. Fazio’s current plans of use for the property which we feel are as a wedding/event center. Plans and services for a church are welcomed.)
Starting with the initial letter from Mr. Fazio, our communication began. In Mr. Fazio’s initial letter he stated “I welcome your calls at any time and am happy to chat with you as a community or on an individual basis.” Mr. Fazio also promised to keep the community updated on the progress of Mesquite Grove Chapel, “In the months that follow, I will be sending you a letter to update you on our progress.” (There have been no follow-up letters.) This invitation of open discussion has led to people having conversations with Mr. Fazio on the phone and face-to-face. We also invited Mr. Fazio to speak to the community at our first formal neighborhood meeting. For most of us in the community this was our first introduction to the reverend/businessman. Suffice to say many of the community members did not enjoy listening to a self-praising speech with suggestions that we did not understand what he was offering to our community. From the initial meeting, onward the tone was set that we were dealing with a man of business. The feedback given from those who have spoken with or listened to Mr. Fazio leads to an overall consensus of people frustrated and upset at the tone, language and lack of compromise by Mr. Fazio. In December Mr. Fazio was kind enouhg to take time and have a meeting with a small group from our community. Mr. Fazio had mentioned the possibility of a temporary change of use at the property, which as far as we can tell, is not a permitted use (which he has since stated he never said). Again, there was a lot of frustration after the meeting because Mr. Fazio did not give clear concise answers to questions, strayed to various topics, and was quite honestly condescending. In spite of the lack of respect he has shown the people of this area we are still committed to keeping the lines of communication open. It is still our goal to reach a mutual agreement on the use of this residential property.