Legal Opinion
Needham Pastoral Counseling Center, Inc. v. Board of Appeals
Massachusetts Appeals Court
Decided July 19, 1990No. 89-P-244PublishedCited by 13 opinions
1Opinion of the CourtKass, J.
Needham Pastoral Counseling Center, Inc. (NPCC), proposes to remodel 864 square feet of space in a church building as offices and counseling rooms for a psychological counseling center with a spiritual component. The question is whether the proposed use is for “religious purposes” within the meaning of G. L. c. 40A, § 3, as inserted by St. 1975, c. 808, § 3, which exempts from zoning regulation “the use of land or structures for religious purposes or for educational purposes . . . .” We conclude that what NPCC plans to offer resembles a mental health clinic more than religious activity. A…
2Cases cited27 opinions
- Cantwell v. ConnecticutSupreme Court of the United States · 1940
- United States v. SeegerSupreme Court of the United States · 1965
- Torcaso v. WatkinsSupreme Court of the United States · 1961
- Davis v. BeasonSupreme Court of the United States · 1890
- United States v. MacIntoshSupreme Court of the United States · 1931
22 more not listed; retrieve them via the Exa API.
3Cited by13 opinions
- Martin v. Corporation of the Presiding Bishop of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day SaintsMassachusetts Supreme Judicial Court · 2001
- Regis College v. Town of WestonMassachusetts Supreme Judicial Court · 2012
- Friedman v. Southern California Permanente Medical GroupCalifornia Court of Appeal · 2002
- Mintz v. Roman Catholic Bishop of SpringfieldDistrict Court, D. Massachusetts · 2006
- Tanner v. Board of AppealsMassachusetts Appeals Court · 2004
8 more not listed; retrieve them via the Exa API.