Residents say they won?t give up in the fight to keep the Bay Ridge United Methodist Church in the neighborhood.

Protesting locals surrounded the 109-year-old church, which has been nicknamed the ?Green? Church, demanding they have a say in the building?s future.

Years ago, the church?s congregation decided to sell it because they said the building isn?t structurally sound and isn?t being used to its full capacity. They are now close to closing a multimillion-dollar deal with Abeco Management, and neighbors are not happy.

Abeco plans to demolish the church and surrounding buildings, including a parsonage house that adjoins another house on the block. They plan to build condos and a smaller church in its place.

The pastor at United Methodist stands by his word, saying the congregation has the right to do what they please with the land. Neighbors, however, say they will do anything to keep the developers out of their community.

According to protestors, Abeco has a bad track record with their other buildings. When contacted, Abeco said they had no comment.

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