First it was the church leaders closing off the church parking lot preventing runners from using it, after decades of use, for the Four on the Fourth Race. Their excuse then was the pending sale of the property. For the record, 47 Middlesex Avenue has been under contract since at least December 2022. The actual sale of the property may technically be pending, but, in reality, the closing will not be closing for the foreseeable future.

On Aug. 26, two abutting neighbors to 47 Middlesex Avenue found "Private Property KEEP OUT" signs facing their houses on their property line. Just when you thought the administrative leaders and clergy of St. Joseph's couldn't get more petty than what they did to our community on July 4, they did.

I am appalled that leaders of this religious congregation could be so petty and vindicate to Chester. St Joseph's and Chester have lived in harmony for decades. How can the clergy of St. Joseph's preach Christian values yet treat its neighbors like this? How hypocritical is that?

I don't know who is advising the leadership of these actions, but they are leading the congregation astray. Citizens and the congregation's leadership can have varying opinions on matters. Adults would be willing to discuss their differences and understand both sides of an issue. Church leaders, apparently, prefer acting like children who didn't get their way.

John Maloney

Chester