Calvary Lutheran Church was granted an unusual request to close a street in a residential area.
The church is planning outdoor worship services through the summer, along with four evening concerts outdoors.
In his proposal to the Perham City Council, Rev. Phil Holtan explained that Calvary owns both sides of the street, so it would not impact any homeowners. Further, it is not a through street.
"We have been visiting with neighbors and intend now to visit each one of them that faces Calvary's property to let them know what we are planning," wrote Holtan in his request.
The request was to close the street from about 8 a.m. to noon for Sunday services; and at 4 p.m. for the evening concerts.
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The total number of times the street would be closed would be 19.
The request was somewhat unusual, and the council said it would need to be monitored from a traffic and noise standpoint. But the council granted approval unanimously.
Calvary's location is unique because the house across the street is the parsonage, and since it is owned by the church, there is no impact on nearby homeowners.
City public works supervisor Merle Meece said he is the only resident in the area that actually faces the area where the concerts and services will be held. He said he didn't anticipate any problems in the neighborhood.
The first in the concert series will be this Friday, May 11, as the Russian vocal group "Lyra" performs at 7:30 p.m. This concert will be indoors, but the first outdoor concert is June 2, when local singer-songwriter Erin Anderson and the band "Eyewitness" perform at 7 p.m.
