Neighbors of Dorsett Village Church flooded the Maryland Heights Government Center’s council chamber on July 10 for the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting. Crowd members were adamantly against church administrators bringing a school into Dorsett Village's halls.

The church hopes to receive a Conditional Use Permit to let Grace Christian Academy to operate on its premises. The church’s neighbors, however, aren’t keen on the request.

Grace Christian Academy currently sits on the Grace Church property.

Seven locals spoke out against the school moving to Dorsett Village Church. Complaints ranged from diminishing property value to potential noise complaints. Many of those against the school’s new location assured the commission that they were not against the church—but only the school.

Four people spoke out in support of the school, mostly church members. One Maryland Heights resident said she supported the school due to a concern over where the nation is heading. She said locals should welcome any Christian school they can get.

Beverly Carrow, one of the residents to speak out against the school, was concerned about the school lowering her property value. She asked the commission to preserve her area of Maryland Heights.

“Please do not allow this school to ruin our neighborhood,” she said.