A former church in Lehighton will be converted into an event center with retail space.

On a unanimous measure, borough council on Monday approved the application of Kim and Paulette Heilman regarding 139 N. Sixth St., Lehighton.

They were requesting conditional use approval to convert an existing nonresidential place of worship into a retail business and events venue.

The building had most recently served as God’s Missionary Church.

Before the vote, resident Edward Solt, who resides on North Sixth Street, expressed concerns about parking and noise.

Kim Heilman told borough council that the church portion of the building would be converted into an antiques shop with vendors renting space for mostly antique collectibles.

Heilman said the back part would serve as a small entertainment center that people could out to hold birthday parties and anniversaries.

“I’m all for respecting neighbors,” Heilman said. “It’s going to be family-friendly oriented.”

Heilman added that he plans to decorate the front porch for the seasons to make it look good to visitors as they walk into the building, and that there wouldn’t be things all over the place.

But Solt, who has lived at his residence for 55 years, noted that it might be too much of a change for the residents who live on that street.

“There are working people, school-age people that live on that block,” Solt said. “I think the noise is too much.”

Solt added he was concerned that there was nothing in the application that there would be no loud parties or time limits.

“They’re going to park right in front of my property,” Solt said. “I do need an easement to get to my garages.”

Councilman Steve Hawk said he doesn’t believe the proposed use really changes the character, and said he was in favor of it.

Heilman added, “I just thought it was a nice fit for the building.”

Afterward, borough council approved the Heilmans’ to use the property as requested with the condition of operating hours from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.