Norwalk Church Files Federal Lawsuit Over Community Center Rental Ban

NORWALK, CT — St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Norwalk has filed a federal lawsuit against the city after the Norwalk Planning & Zoning Commission denied its request to allow nonmembers to rent its community center, escalating a zoning dispute that the parish says violates its civil rights and property interests.

According to local reporting from The Hour, the church submitted its complaint last Tuesday in U.S. District Court, seeking to overturn the commission’s decision as well as obtain monetary damages and reimbursement of legal fees. The filing, announced in a June 23 letter by attorney Peter Lathouris, argues that the city’s actions were “unlawful, egregious and unfair,” according to court documents and statements provided by the church.

At the center of the dispute is the church’s 21,000-square-foot community center, located at its 87-year-old parish on West Rocks Road. While originally approved in 2006 with a restriction limiting rentals to church members, the parish later opened the facility to outside groups, prompting a zoning citation in January. City officials say the violation remains unresolved and that any change would require formal approval through the special permit process.

Church leadership, including the Rev. Nicholas Dassouras, has argued that allowing broader community use would strengthen the parish financially while providing affordable event space for local residents. City commissioners and nearby residents, however, have raised concerns about increased traffic, noise, lighting, and public safety impacts in an already congested neighborhood.

Attorney Eric Bernheim submitted the church’s application to expand usage, but the Planning & Zoning Commission ultimately rejected the request after public hearings. City officials, including Corporation Counsel Mario Coppola, have declined to comment, citing ongoing litigation.

The case, St. George Greek Orthodox Church of Norwalk, Connecticut, Inc. v. City of Norwalk et al., names six defendants, including the city, its council, zoning officials, and Planning & Zoning Director Steven Kleppin in his official capacity. A court date has not yet been scheduled.

Previously, the UOJ reported that all Buffalo Catholic parishes were asked to join a bankruptcy plan.