The case revolves around what Coleman's office describes as a "modest shrine" proposed by the Missionaries of Saint John the Baptist, which operates a parish in Park Hills, Kentucky.
Neighbors successfully fought the development, winning their case at the state Supreme Court. Opponents say the grotto roughly the size of a backyard swimming pool with a shrine to the Virgin Mary, a plaza, walking path, and retaining wall would lead to traffic concerns in the small neighborhood.
Coleman said in a statement that the state "cannot allow a heckler's veto to trump religious liberty." The top law enforcement official said his office his seeking clarity on the issue under the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act, also known as the RLUIPA.