The real estate transactions recommended by the Church Council of the parishes still need to be approved by the Church Council in order to take place.
The transaction would involve the sale of a 492 square metre plot of land, a building of approximately 450 square metres on the plot, approximately 20% of the yard building and an electricity connection. The Jugend House, one of the first stone buildings in the city of Lahti, is a building of historical value.
According to Jarno Virtanen, the potential real estate transaction is not related to the business, but the plot and the building would be for the family’s private use.
The activities of the congregation would move elsewhere. The building has been used for youth activities, scouts’ clubs, a band hut, a mission shop and a rental apartment, among other things.
The sale of the Liipola parish center is also progressing. The joint church council proposes to sell the center to Esikoiset ry for a purchase price of 210,000 euros. Esikoiset ry is a Lestadian revival movement operating within the Evangelical Lutheran Church.
The draft deed of sale was changed so that the organ of the parish center is not included in the sale, but remains the property of the Lahti parish association. In addition, negotiations have been held with the city of Lahti regarding the new parking spaces required by the buyer. It is planned to add the right of use to the block of parking spaces designated for Liipola school escort transport to the property being sold.
Selling the properties is part of the Lahti parish association’s plan, with which it aims to significantly reduce its real estate expenses.
After the possible sale decision, both deals will still be confirmed by the church board. Ownership can be transferred to the buyer during the beginning of 2023.
*More* *Päijät-Hämeen* *news at Yle Areena: listen, watch and read what’s happening near you.*