Salvation Army buildings in downtown St. John's to be replaced by parking lot

St. John's city council has approved a plan to build a parking lot where two Salvation Army buildings now stand in the downtown area of the city. However, it wasn't a unanimous vote, and at least two councillors are saying the city is acting too quickly.

The buildings on Springdale Street have been badly deteriorating for years — and in 2014, a burst pipe caused extensive water damage and flooding, which closed the buildings for good.

The organization is working on a long-term plan to build a new $30-million facility, but on Tuesday council approved a short-term plan to put a parking lot there until that happens.

The city's heritage committee says that should not have been approved until the church submitted a detailed plan of exactly what will be built.

"We have a preliminary plan, and an estimate of when it's going to happen down the road," said Coun. Sandy Hickman, a member of the heritage committee.

"To me, ultimately we are knocking these two buildings down for a parking lot."

The heritage committee wanted the new buildings to retain some of the old exterior structures, and build around them.

Hickman, as well as Coun. Dave Lane, said they hoped council would listen to their suggestions but ultimately did not.

Parking lot just an 'interim' plan

A demolition permit could be granted as soon as next week.

Tom Hann, one of the councillors who approved the plan to tear down the buildings, said people need to be reassured that it is only a short-term plan.

"We approved an interim — and I say interim, parking lot," he said.

"If nothing is there in three years then we will go back and have that conversation."