At least two Augusta leaders feel the preservation commission has been treating the owner of the decaying Old First Baptist Church like a criminal.

Unused since 1975, the 123-year-old old First Baptist Church building at the corner of Eighth and Greene streets isn't getting any younger.

The Historic Preservation Commission has cited the owner of the old First Baptist Church for the code violations but now the owner is applying to demolish it. Commissioners are scheduled to hear from the parties on Tuesday.