Storefront churches draw opposition in Highlandtown

Neighborhood sees houses of worship crop up, wonders about noise, permitting

The city zoning board determined that while Holy Truth did not have the correct permit, it was eligible for one because the building had been used as a meeting hall since 1943. Services can continue, the board said, but occupancy was limited to 50 people and the church will need written permission from neighboring businesses for 20 off-street parking spaces from the nearby Highlandtown Village Shopping Center, and must adhere to noise regulations.

Savage said he had been taken aback by the zoning complaint, saying neighbors had not complained in previous years. He said relations between the church and some in Highlandtown are good. He said he's received praise from some elderly neighbors who had been scared to walk to nearby Santoni's Super Market, where they had to pass kids hanging on the corners.

"The drug mobility has slowed down 100 percent because of this church," he said.

At a recent night prayer meeting, about 20 members gathered to hear Savage in the narrow room with purple pews and purple carpet.

One faithful member of 10 years, Reginald Toney, who lives nearby on Baltimore Street, credited Savage's church with getting him out of a west-side gang.

"I would have never gotten where I am without him," Toney said. "I don't know if I would be dead or in prison."

Savage said the church is committed to being a good neighbor. "Our intent," he said, "is thoroughly right."

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Baltimore Sun reporter Yeganeh June Torbati contributed to this article.

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