Singer Katy Perry is one step closer to buying a former convent in Los Feliz based on a judge's ruling on Wednesday.
The judge overseeing the case canceled the deed and invalidated the sale of the former convent in Los Feliz to a businesswoman. The motion cleared the way to make it available to singer Katy Perry.
It's a legal battle that's pitted nuns against the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.
The five remaining sisters of the former convent have not lived at the location for more than a year.
Their attorney said they bought the property in the 1970s with their own money and have maintained it ever since. So when they wanted to sell it they believed they had the right to do so.
"It's really peaceful," said Mica Robinson, a neighbor.
For neighbors, the decision about who should own what used to be the longtime home of the Sisters of the Most Holy and Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary comes down to what it means for their community.
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"My main concern was they were going to be bringing in a lot more people to this community, in this nice, quiet neighborhood," said Craig Draheim, a neighbor.
A judge ruled the sale of the Los Feliz fixture by the nuns to local businesswoman Dana Hollister is no longer valid.
"It was not clear what she planned to do with it and the things I heard were not appealing to neighbors," said Elissa Sawyer, a neighbor.
Hollister bought the property from the nuns of the order last June for $15.5 million, or so she thought. A legal battle ensued when the Archdiocese stepped in to say they were the owners. Another judge last summer ruled in their favor.
Coupled with Wednesday's decision, the road seems paved for the Archdiocese to sell the 9-acre property to pop star Katy Perry. It's believed she wants to live here with her mother and her family.
Neighbors admit there is this possibility:
"With Katy Perry owning it, of course you are going to get the TMZ and all of the tours that want to come see the chance see or meet her," Draheim said.
Hollister's attorney reportedly said he wants to read the decision before taking any action which could include an appeal. The sisters' attorney said the nuns are disappointed and considering all their options.
Residents hope that whatever happens in the end, their community remains intact.
"It doesn't really matter who owns it as long as it's not a commercial property," said Robinson.
