Conclusion

Abstract

From the perspective of Boerne it seems that much of the controversy was a waste. A version of the 80/20 plan, not terribly different from what was ultimately adopted, had been floated early in the negotiations. The city spent around $265,000 in legal fees defending its position. The church’s legal costs have not been made public, but they must have been substantial. In addition, there was a good bit of ill will generated, both within the parish and among people in the community. As one observer said, “there were very few people who didn’t take one side or the other. It was disruptive to families. There are wounds in families that still have not healed.”¹