Phoenix Mormon temple debate!

[JesmanVA]

Very interesting and heated:

EEEKonomy: A Mormon Temple for the Desert Skyline? (Discussion)

[Traveler]

Opposition to Mormon temples is not new – In Boston it took direct intervention from Ted Kennedy to get the spire and Moroni on the temple there.

Some Mormons that support the temple define all opposition as Satanic. Likewise many in opposition do so just because they do not like Mormons. Do Mormons have a right to build temples? If someone believes that such right should not be granted – I would be interested to know why. I believe that we Mormons are granted right of worship by the constitution. It is just a matter of working out some kinks.

The Traveler

[Mahone]

There is generally heated debate about any building of that size being erected anywhere. It's not limited just to mormon temples. Some people enjoy complaining, whether about increased traffic issues or blocked views.

[lattelady]

If the LDS church owns the land, which they must, and if it meets the city's building codes, the people that are against it really won't have much of a leg to stand on. Churches have a right to build! Churches of all denominations fight opposition when they try and build in an area where people are against that particular denomination, and it's not right. That's America--we're supposed to have the freedom to go a worship where we please--but even in our country, others can strive to make it difficult to do so.

[hordak]

Opponents find the building and its glare obtrusive. The proposed temple is well over the residential zoning guideline's height limit of 30 feet.

Sounds like a valid argument. Can't the church design it to fit the standard?

[Just_A_Guy]

I don't know that churches are subject to zoning restrictions of that nature.

Nor am I aware of any temple anywhere that was ever less than 30 feet tall. Maybe the one Nephi built in the new world?

[Maxel]

The article says the spire would be higher than the residential zoning regulations. Do the residential regulations apply to commercial buildings like temples?

[MrsAri]

Sounds like a valid argument. Can't the church design it to fit the standard?

My former bishop said that it meets all the requirements. The vacant lot has served as a garbage dump.

[lost87]

religious buildings are not considered "commercial" buildings, which is why they can build it in a residential zone. Because it is a religious building it does not have to meet "residential" standards. really this debate doesn't have much value because ultimately it is perfectly within a religious groups right to build however they want, assuming it meets safety qualifications. At the same time though, those in opposition have the right to voice that...it won't do much good, but they still can do it.

[ADoyle90815]

There is generally heated debate about any building of that size being erected anywhere. It's not limited just to mormon temples. Some people enjoy complaining, whether about increased traffic issues or blocked views.

That's definitely true, many people have the NIMBY(Not in My Backyard) mentality, and it has nothing to do with religion at all.

[Traveler]

That's definitely true, many people have the NIMBY(Not in My Backyard) mentality, and it has nothing to do with religion at all.

It may by near someone's yard but it is not in anyone's backyard.

Let us reason - the purpose of zoning ordinances is to protect ownership rights of owners to their own property. There are 4 legal rights to owning property (Possession, use or control, quite enjoyment and disposition). If none of those rights are threatened or violated then there is no legal basis (including zoning) for opposing what someone else does on their own property. The legal question concerns “quite enjoyment” and if the temple prohibits objecting owners of specific property to have view of something that is of actual need or expressed desire.

The Traveler

[Iggy]

Take a real good look at all the temples, Alphabetical

not all of them have multiple spires. They are all designed and built to enhance the area not stand out like an ugly sore thumb.

The building of the meeting houses and the Temples are always in compliance with the laws of the land.

We are a law abiding peoples in every thing we do, up to and including building our temples and meeting houses.