A predominantly black church reached a settlement with West Mifflin yesterday after nearly two years of legal wrangling over the purchase of church buildings and property on Coal Road.

The settlement was completed when the borough agreed to pay Second Baptist Church of Homestead between $100,000 and $200,000 to reimburse losses it suffered from being denied zoning and occupancy permits after purchasing the property in October 2002.

"It's a relief," said Second Baptist's pastor for the past 33 years, the Rev. Donald Turner.

He said the nearly 100-year-old church long ago outgrew its building and parking facilities at 108 W. 12th Ave.

The lack of space has prevented the 300-member church from expanding its Bible study program and implementing plans for a teen ministry.

The property formerly belonged to Grace Christian Ministries, but was sold to Second Baptist in 2001 for about $950,000 after Grace's former pastor, W. Michael Altman, was charged with numerous counts of fraud.

The sale proceeds were used to pay off liens and taxes on the property, along with about three dozen investors who lost money in a securities scheme run by Altman.

Altman later pleaded no contest to more than 100 criminal counts and is serving a four- to eight-year sentence in state prison.

Following Second Baptist's purchase of the five-acre property, the borough denied it an occupancy permit, despite having allowed Grace Christian to operate a church at the site since 1998.

The American Civil Liberties Union filed suit in U.S. District Court in October 2002 on Second Baptist's behalf, claiming racial and religious discrimination.