MARS — A public prayer vigil organized by religious leaders in the Mars area for noon Wednesday at the town's spaceship aims to generate peace and awareness, according to the Rev. Peter de Vries, pastor of Old Union Presbyterian Church.

But Monday night's borough council meeting — attended by a number of Grand Avenue business owners concerned the vigil could lead to more — was anything but peaceful.

Alleging the pastor of the Adams Township church wants to introduce civil unrest in town, business owners asked the borough to have the vigil moved.

“What if it becomes a demonstration?” asked John Podolak, owner of After Hours Tattoo Studio on Grand Avenue. “This is out there now for Antifa or any (outside protesters).”

“Racism isn't in this town,” said David Smolensky of Mars Family Chiropractic. “(De Vries) is trying to create a situation that doesn't exist.”

Smolensky said he's concerned de Vries is using the vigil for an ulterior “political agenda.”

De Vries, who didn't attend the borough meeting, said Tuesday the vigil isn't meant to cause trouble.

The community's center

“We're intending this to be a positive event,” explained de Vries, who originally floated the vigil idea with Mars Area Ministerium. “Certainly not wanting to introduce trouble.”

Ten to 12 local leaders from different Christian sects are expected to participate in the event, which will include prayers and music. De Vries, who came to Mars in 1993, said the spot along Grand Avenue that's home to the Mars Flying Saucer was specifically chosen for the vigil.

“The spaceship is really kind of the symbolic center of the community,” de Vries said.

Mayor Gregg Hartung, who is scheduled to attend the event representing Callery Presbyterian Church, said de Vries approached him about having the event at the spaceship.

Hartung said he told de Vries he needed to get permission from Mars Bank, which owns the spot. Hartung indicated de Vries told him at that time the vigil would remain in that area.

“And (that they'd) have that as just a prayer vigil, not a demonstration,” Hartung said.

The bank approved the vigil, according to Hartung, and the ministerium secured event insurance.

Business owners questioned council about how involved it was in the organization of the vigil. Mike Fleming, council president, said because the bank owns the green space near the spaceship, council doesn't have a say.

“The borough did not issue a permit for a demonstration of any kind,” Fleming said. “They asked permission to use private property.”

Safety planBrian Cooper, founder and owner of Salvaged PGH, said he doesn't have a problem with the vigil or even a protest.“That's part of the reason why I served this country,” Cooper said. “My problem with it is: Is this borough equipped to deal with something if it goes south?”Cooper said the vigil is scheduled from noon to 1 p.m., during which a lot can happen.“When things go south, they go south quick,” Cooper said.The borough will have a police presence during the event. Beau Sneddon, officer in charge, said aside from three borough officers, assistance will be available from Adams and Evans City police departments.Sneddon said he has talked to de Vries about the event and didn't have any outstanding concerns. Still, he said the borough has plans for everything from managing traffic to dealing with unrest.“I've taken the approach of I'd rather look foolish for over preparing than under preparing,” Sneddon said.In the end, Sneddon said, the borough's mission is to keep everyone safe.“I'll be somewhere in the middle,” Sneddon said. “We're going to be there to protect everybody.”

A question of racismPodolak said he called de Vries to find out more about the vigil. Before identifying himself to de Vries, Podolak said he “lured” him into sharing details.Based on their conversation, Podolak believes de Vries wants to use the spaceship's locale to draw attention to potential local racism.“That's why he's bringing it here,” Podolak said. “To set an example.”Jim Lasher, who runs a travel agency and realty service in Mars, said he also had a conversation with de Vries about racism.“I said, 'We do not have that problem in this town,'” Lasher said. “He said, 'Yes, we do have a problem in this town.'”Lasher said specifically, de Vries said he had two families in his congregation who had racist experiences at the hands of borough police and businesses.De Vries said Tuesday any discussions he had with unidentified callers about racism and the vigil were started by the callers.While he disagreed with Lasher that racism doesn't exist in Mars, he said he did not say it occurred at the hands of police.“I hold the police in high regard,” de Vries said. “We're working very closely with law enforcement.”

Sign of the timesA number of business leaders said they're concerned about an invitation to those who attend to bring signs.“How many prayer vigils do you have that you tell people to bring signs?” Lasher asked.Hartung said he advised de Vries that any signs should be non-partisan, although they are permitted.“This is freedom of speech,” Hartung said.“It's freedom of speech,” Smolensky said. “But you're not the one that has a business in town.”De Vries said the vigil is open to everyone, but signs with positive messages are the ones being encouraged. If someone attends with a negative message, they'll be reminded of the reason for the gathering.“Our plan is to be vigilant,” de Vries said. “We're focusing on words like 'peace,' 'justice,' 'unity,' 'healing.'”Business owners said their biggest concern is a lasting stigma: If the vigil takes a bad turn, Mars might be susceptible to being labeled an “epicenter of racism,” according to Smolensky.Hartung warned that such divisive talk can be just as corrupting.“This is part of the dynamic,” Hartung said. “To stir things up.”

A place of peaceCooper said he doesn't care if people protest. But he has a problem with any protests — if they occur — taking place on Grand Avenue. Cooper said his salvage and restoration business has been closed for three months.“We're hanging on by a thread. A friggin' thread,” Cooper said. “And losing one more day over a protest, that hurts my business.”Council said it can't get involved legally because the property is private.The business owners said they'd meet with bank officials Tuesday to see if permission for use of the property can be rescinded. As of Tuesday afternoon, borough officials confirmed the vigil would remain at the spaceship.De Vries said he hopes the vigil will be a place of peace, though he doesn't know how many to expect. If it's able to attract 50 people, he would be happy with the turnout.“We have been planning for this to be peaceful and positive,” de Vries said. “What really matters is that hearts are changed.”