PHOENIX — Some north Phoenix residents are voicing strong opposition
to a proposed Mormon temple, saying it would be an eyesore and would
disrupt their mountain views. The
four-story, all white, 9,500-square-foot temple would rise from the
desert floor near 51st Avenue and West Pinnacle Peak Road. During
a public meeting this week, some neighborhood residents accused The
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints of being
Johnny-come-latelies who are attempting to steal their quality of life.
Backers say temples improve property values and the community.
The proposed temple would be the first one constructed in Phoenix.
City
planning director Deborah Stark said the federal Religious Freedom Act
permits churches to be built in any type of zoning and does not
restrict steeple height. The LDS Church operates temples in Mesa and Snowflake.