Portion of article "Rumors Behind the News"

IT'S BEEN A BLUE MOON since the "Blue Church" at Church and 28th streets was reportedly going to be demolished to create a four-story condominium project. It appears that it could be another blue moon before demolition will actually occur.

The September meeting of the Upper Noe Neighbors hosted a spokesperson for the developer, James Branch (1596 Church Street Condominiums, LLC), who bought the church property two years ago. He has been trying to evict the church--officially known as the Church at San Francisco ­ Where Jesus Christ Is Lord, Inc.--and its pastor, Joesiah Bell, since the end of February.

Residents living near the church attended the Neighbors meeting to get an update on the eviction and to report that they had been filing complaints with the city saying the building is serving as a homeless shelter.

The developer's spokesperson, Valerie Camarda, told the crowd that legal action was still pending to evict the church and pastor, and estimated it could take another 45 days before there would be a court hearing.

Pastor Joesiah Bell refused to comment on any of the legal wrangling, and instead referred the Noe Valley Bureau of Investigation (yours truly) to the attorney who is representing the Church at San Francisco, Craig Martin.

According to Martin, there has been previous litigation between the two parties, including an eviction proceeding against the church that was dismissed in May. Another eviction proceeding went to trial at the beginning of July, and the church again prevailed. "They [Branch et al] have also filed a petition to compel arbitration," says Martin, "so this could be going on for a while." Martin notes the key issue in all of this is payment of "the $100,000 relocation fee that was promised but not paid."

The developer's lawyer, Drexel Bradshaw, claims the eviction proceedings are justified because the premises are not being used for church purposes and "half a dozen homeless people are living there." Bradshaw also contends that the "relocation fee has been paid in full" and there is no reason why the church should not give up possession.

Each side is confident in their position, which is the essential ingredient for a lengthy litigation.

However, stay tuned for updates on when the wrecking ball will swing. As we have learned from Herb's, nothing lasts forever.