At least initially, the Norwich neighborhood surrounding the St. Vincent de Paul Place soup kitchen has greeted with a collective shrug the news of a legal settlement that would assure the charity’s continued operation. This would suggest that three years after the soup kitchen opened, it has reached a quiet co-existence with its neighbors. If its 2012 arrival on Cliff Street was alarming, its continuing service to the poor and hungry is now part of the routine.

The soup kitchen relocated to Cliff Street after it was forced from its former location in an old railroad depot because of necessary structural repairs.

The Catholic Diocese of Norwich considers serving those in need a part of its Christian mission and so protected by the constitutional assurance of “free exercise” of religion. The city contends that charitable works do not trump land-use regulations and that the soup kitchen, located in a former Catholic school, does not adhere to zoning regulations and does not qualify for a variance.

The result has been a three-year legal battle in federal court, with past efforts to reach a settlement ending in failure. There is no question, however, that the initial opposition the operation faced in the neighborhood was a motivating factor in the city’s hardline position. Conversely, the diminishment of resistance could make a settlement easier for city officials to sell.

Details are not available on the settlement between the diocese and the Norwich Commission on the City Plan. The commission could act as soon as next month. Peter Davis, director of Planning and Neighborhood Services, said the city would release the draft agreement in advance of the meeting. The commission must assure the public has the chance to be heard.

It appears the deal centers on a commitment by the diocese to bring the former school into compliance with current building codes, including meeting access rules under the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Diocese of Norwich has delayed investing in such upgrades pending the outcome of the legal dispute.

The city, in turn, would drop its claims that the facility violates land-use regulations.

While the neighbors deserve to have their views considered, it appears a settlement would be the best outcome. The soup kitchen provides an important function. If it is not a major disruption in the area — and with three years’ experience that does not appear to be the case — there is no reason for the city to continue this legal fight.