This looks to be a way for the city to coerce some money from an organization, and which fits into an existing bureaucratic process, giving it the patina of leg

This looks to be a way for the city to coerce some money from an organization, and which fits into an existing bureaucratic process, giving it the patina of legitimacy. It is a bit surprising that the cathedral didn't just immediately stop construction and close down access with a big sign saying what was going on. After all, its all about complying with the law and all. They could have even started making plans to move the cathedral to a different site with all the proper permits and everything. The city would have caved for sure. If you're not willing to go to the mat, you'll always get taken advantage of.