Local News in Brief : Church Landmark Vote Delayed

The Los Angeles City Council, which six months ago tentatively approved historic landmark status for the First Baptist Church of San Pedro, has delayed the final vote until June 24.

The action came Friday at the request of Councilwoman Joan Milke Flores. The council’s decision will hinge on whether those who want to preserve the church can formulate a plan.

The First Baptist case attracted attention because congregants wanted to tear down the 69-year-old church and build a new one, saying it would be too costly to make the old structure meet the city’s earthquake safety code. But local preservationists pushed for city historic status to prevent the demolition. Under city law, historic buildings are protected from being demolished for one year, during which time those who want to save the building must devise a plan that’s acceptable to the building’s owners.

The Los Angeles Cultural Heritage Commission has recommended that the church be declared a city landmark. The council upheld the recommendation, but conditioned its vote on the ability of church leaders and preservationists to show progress after six months.