07-19-2008, 07:20 PM
http://www.ohio.com/news/top_stories/17964904.html
Neighbors fight proposed Hindu temple
Richfield commission could vote soon on plan for Brecksville Road; opponents appeal to court
By Colette M. Jenkins
Beacon Journal religion writer
Published on Monday, Apr 21, 2008
RICHFIELD: Mayor Michael Lyons is hoping for an amenable resolution to the controversy over the proposed construction of a Hindu temple in the village.
''This is a very polarizing kind of thing that leads to the insertion of issues (like bigotry) that have nothing to do with whether the proposal meets our code,'' Lyons said. ''I certainly hope that there can be a place where there is something that can work for everyone.''
At issue is the pending vote on the final plans for the proposed 3,772-square-foot Sree Venkateswara Temple of Cleveland on seven acres at 4406 Brecksville Road. The Richfield Planning and Zoning Commission could act on the plans as early as Tuesday, its next meeting, according to Roger D. Swan, planning and zoning director.
The commission approved preliminary plans for the temple on Nov. 27. Its decision was officially recorded on Dec. 11.
Nine days later, Concerned Richfield Homeowners, a group of local residents who oppose
construction of the temple, asked Summit County Common Pleas Court to review the commission's action.
The court has granted a stay, prohibiting the commission from granting any zoning permits for the temple pending a hearing before Judge Patricia Cosgrove. That means that if the commission approves the final plans on Tuesday, the village cannot immediately issue a zoning permit.
Meanwhile, representatives of the temple have asked that the appeal by the residents be dismissed because it was prematurely filed. They say that the appeal should not have been filed until final plans were approved by the commission.
The court could resolve the latter issue today. If the court dismisses the appeal, the Concerned Richfield Homeowners will refile if the zoning commission approves the final plans, according to the homeowners' attorney, Leland Cole.
Residential area
''My clients believe that the Planning and Zoning Commission acted improperly by permitting a Hindu temple to be built in a residentially zoned area,'' said Cole, whose clients live near the site of the proposed temple.
The residents have said they are concerned about an increase in traffic and noise. They are also concerned about the glare of parking lot lights devaluing homes in the neighborhood.
Others who have opposed the temple have voiced concerns about strangers coming into the neighborhood, prompting speculation that bigotry might be fueling the opposition. Correspondence in zoning department files ask such questions as: ''Why has Richfield become the place where all these odd religions want to be?'' ''How far do there (sic) members drive to get here?'' and ''Are these people safe?''
Currently, there is a Sikh temple in the village and there is a Jain temple in Richfield Township. All of the Christian churches in the village are in residential areas, according to Swan.
Support for Hindus
Another e-mail from a Richfield Township resident encourages construction of the temple and questions the motive behind the opposition.
The Jewish woman who writes it explains that her children were targets of ''overt discrimination'' from students in Revere schools who lived in Richfield ''many years ago.''
''I am appalled to think that a woman would actually stand up at a meeting and suggest that if (the chairman of the temple committee) lives in Bath, he should actually build his temple in Bath. Perhaps I read that wrong, but to me that sounds like the worst example of bigotry and prejudice I have heard in a long time! â We cannot let Richfield continue to be known for bigotry and hatred, but rather for tolerance and intelligence.''
Beth Newcomb, one of the homeowners who filed the appeal with the court, said the allegation of bigotry is insulting and false. She said the opposition fears the tranquility of the neighborhood will be disturbed and the zoning commission has failed to follow the code, she said.
''We are concerned about transforming this area into something other than a residential area,'' Newcomb said. ''We are concerned about an influx of people coming in, chanting and singing while we're trying to enjoy the peace and quiet of our neighborhood.
''I chose to live in a secluded area and I paid a premium to do it. Nobody from that church lives in this community. Why am I not entitled to continue living in the peace of this community?
''What they want to do mirrors commercial activity. We've suggested an alternative location in Richfield that would be more appropriate, but they don't seem to be interested.''
Expansion plans?
Newcomb said there is fear in the community that the temple will want to expand beyond a small operation.
Dr. Ram Bandi, chairman of the Sree Venkateswara Temple board, said that while initial plans called for a community hall and a small library, the proposal has been scaled back. He said the local Hindu community that worships the Sree Venkateswara deity includes a little more than 100 families and that the estimate of 1,000 devotees visiting the temple each month is based on that number.
''If you have 100 families of four that visit the temple twice a month, we count that as 800 devotees,'' said Bandi, who lives in Bath Township and has a gastroenterology practice in Cuyahoga Falls. ''Unlike some other religions, we don't have set service times. People come to the temple anytime they want to pray according to their own schedule. They normally stay about 15 or 20 minutes.''
Bandi said the temple would be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. A small house that already stands on the property would be maintained to house a priest, he said. Bandi said the lower level of the building would have a small kitchen and a place for devotees to leave their shoes.
Hinduism is the third-largest organized religion in the world, with almost a billion followers. Most Hindus are in India, although there is a growing population is the United States. The Hindu American Foundation estimates that 2 million Hindus of Indian origin are in the United States, and that there are another 1 million practicing American Hindus not of Indian origin.
Hinduism is not one religion but a collection of traditions with many variations. Hindus worship deities, which are representations of the one god they believe in. They are monotheistic, and their worship involves meditating, chanting and worshipping icons of the deities.
Bandi said he has no reason to believe that the opposition to the temple is motivated by bigotry. He said he believes if people were more familiar with Hinduism, they would understand that they have no intention of disturbing the neighborhood.
''There is nothing to fear. We are very peaceful. We don't believe in raising a big noise or commotion,'' Bandi said. ''Hindus believe that to serve humanity is to serve God.''
Colette Jenkins can be reached at 330-996-3731 or cjenkins@thebeaconjournal.com.
RICHFIELD: Mayor Michael Lyons is hoping for an amenable resolution to the controversy over the proposed construction of a Hindu temple in the village.
''This is a very polarizing kind of thing that leads to the insertion of issues (like bigotry) that have nothing to do with whether the proposal meets our code,'' Lyons said. ''I certainly hope that there can be a place where there is something that can work for everyone.''
At issue is the pending vote on the final plans for the proposed 3,772-square-foot Sree Venkateswara Temple of Cleveland on seven acres at 4406 Brecksville Road. The Richfield Planning and Zoning Commission could act on the plans as early as Tuesday, its next meeting, according to Roger D. Swan, planning and zoning director.
The commission approved preliminary plans for the temple on Nov. 27. Its decision was officially recorded on Dec. 11.
Nine days later, Concerned Richfield Homeowners, a group of local residents who oppose
construction of the temple, asked Summit County Common Pleas Court to review the commission's action.
The court has granted a stay, prohibiting the commission from granting any zoning permits for the temple pending a hearing before Judge Patricia Cosgrove. That means that if the commission approves the final plans on Tuesday, the village cannot immediately issue a zoning permit.
Meanwhile, representatives of the temple have asked that the appeal by the residents be dismissed because it was prematurely filed. They say that the appeal should not have been filed until final plans were approved by the commission.
The court could resolve the latter issue today. If the court dismisses the appeal, the Concerned Richfield Homeowners will refile if the zoning commission approves the final plans, according to the homeowners' attorney, Leland Cole.
Residential area
''My clients believe that the Planning and Zoning Commission acted improperly by permitting a Hindu temple to be built in a residentially zoned area,'' said Cole, whose clients live near the site of the proposed temple.
The residents have said they are concerned about an increase in traffic and noise. They are also concerned about the glare of parking lot lights devaluing homes in the neighborhood.
Others who have opposed the temple have voiced concerns about strangers coming into the neighborhood, prompting speculation that bigotry might be fueling the opposition. Correspondence in zoning department files ask such questions as: ''Why has Richfield become the place where all these odd religions want to be?'' ''How far do there (sic) members drive to get here?'' and ''Are these people safe?''
Currently, there is a Sikh temple in the village and there is a Jain temple in Richfield Township. All of the Christian churches in the village are in residential areas, according to Swan.
Support for Hindus
Another e-mail from a Richfield Township resident encourages construction of the temple and questions the motive behind the opposition.
The Jewish woman who writes it explains that her children were targets of ''overt discrimination'' from students in Revere schools who lived in Richfield ''many years ago.''
''I am appalled to think that a woman would actually stand up at a meeting and suggest that if (the chairman of the temple committee) lives in Bath, he should actually build his temple in Bath. Perhaps I read that wrong, but to me that sounds like the worst example of bigotry and prejudice I have heard in a long time! â We cannot let Richfield continue to be known for bigotry and hatred, but rather for tolerance and intelligence.''
Beth Newcomb, one of the homeowners who filed the appeal with the court, said the allegation of bigotry is insulting and false. She said the opposition fears the tranquility of the neighborhood will be disturbed and the zoning commission has failed to follow the code, she said.
''We are concerned about transforming this area into something other than a residential area,'' Newcomb said. ''We are concerned about an influx of people coming in, chanting and singing while we're trying to enjoy the peace and quiet of our neighborhood.
''I chose to live in a secluded area and I paid a premium to do it. Nobody from that church lives in this community. Why am I not entitled to continue living in the peace of this community?
''What they want to do mirrors commercial activity. We've suggested an alternative location in Richfield that would be more appropriate, but they don't seem to be interested.''
Expansion plans?
Newcomb said there is fear in the community that the temple will want to expand beyond a small operation.
Dr. Ram Bandi, chairman of the Sree Venkateswara Temple board, said that while initial plans called for a community hall and a small library, the proposal has been scaled back. He said the local Hindu community that worships the Sree Venkateswara deity includes a little more than 100 families and that the estimate of 1,000 devotees visiting the temple each month is based on that number.
''If you have 100 families of four that visit the temple twice a month, we count that as 800 devotees,'' said Bandi, who lives in Bath Township and has a gastroenterology practice in Cuyahoga Falls. ''Unlike some other religions, we don't have set service times. People come to the temple anytime they want to pray according to their own schedule. They normally stay about 15 or 20 minutes.''
Bandi said the temple would be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. A small house that already stands on the property would be maintained to house a priest, he said. Bandi said the lower level of the building would have a small kitchen and a place for devotees to leave their shoes.
Hinduism is the third-largest organized religion in the world, with almost a billion followers. Most Hindus are in India, although there is a growing population is the United States. The Hindu American Foundation estimates that 2 million Hindus of Indian origin are in the United States, and that there are another 1 million practicing American Hindus not of Indian origin.
Hinduism is not one religion but a collection of traditions with many variations. Hindus worship deities, which are representations of the one god they believe in. They are monotheistic, and their worship involves meditating, chanting and worshipping icons of the deities.
Bandi said he has no reason to believe that the opposition to the temple is motivated by bigotry. He said he believes if people were more familiar with Hinduism, they would understand that they have no intention of disturbing the neighborhood.
''There is nothing to fear. We are very peaceful. We don't believe in raising a big noise or commotion,'' Bandi said. ''Hindus believe that to serve humanity is to serve God.''
Neighbors fight proposed Hindu temple
Richfield commission could vote soon on plan for Brecksville Road; opponents appeal to court
By Colette M. Jenkins
Beacon Journal religion writer
Published on Monday, Apr 21, 2008
RICHFIELD: Mayor Michael Lyons is hoping for an amenable resolution to the controversy over the proposed construction of a Hindu temple in the village.
''This is a very polarizing kind of thing that leads to the insertion of issues (like bigotry) that have nothing to do with whether the proposal meets our code,'' Lyons said. ''I certainly hope that there can be a place where there is something that can work for everyone.''
At issue is the pending vote on the final plans for the proposed 3,772-square-foot Sree Venkateswara Temple of Cleveland on seven acres at 4406 Brecksville Road. The Richfield Planning and Zoning Commission could act on the plans as early as Tuesday, its next meeting, according to Roger D. Swan, planning and zoning director.
The commission approved preliminary plans for the temple on Nov. 27. Its decision was officially recorded on Dec. 11.
Nine days later, Concerned Richfield Homeowners, a group of local residents who oppose
construction of the temple, asked Summit County Common Pleas Court to review the commission's action.
The court has granted a stay, prohibiting the commission from granting any zoning permits for the temple pending a hearing before Judge Patricia Cosgrove. That means that if the commission approves the final plans on Tuesday, the village cannot immediately issue a zoning permit.
Meanwhile, representatives of the temple have asked that the appeal by the residents be dismissed because it was prematurely filed. They say that the appeal should not have been filed until final plans were approved by the commission.
The court could resolve the latter issue today. If the court dismisses the appeal, the Concerned Richfield Homeowners will refile if the zoning commission approves the final plans, according to the homeowners' attorney, Leland Cole.
Residential area
''My clients believe that the Planning and Zoning Commission acted improperly by permitting a Hindu temple to be built in a residentially zoned area,'' said Cole, whose clients live near the site of the proposed temple.
The residents have said they are concerned about an increase in traffic and noise. They are also concerned about the glare of parking lot lights devaluing homes in the neighborhood.
Others who have opposed the temple have voiced concerns about strangers coming into the neighborhood, prompting speculation that bigotry might be fueling the opposition. Correspondence in zoning department files ask such questions as: ''Why has Richfield become the place where all these odd religions want to be?'' ''How far do there (sic) members drive to get here?'' and ''Are these people safe?''
Currently, there is a Sikh temple in the village and there is a Jain temple in Richfield Township. All of the Christian churches in the village are in residential areas, according to Swan.
Support for Hindus
Another e-mail from a Richfield Township resident encourages construction of the temple and questions the motive behind the opposition.
The Jewish woman who writes it explains that her children were targets of ''overt discrimination'' from students in Revere schools who lived in Richfield ''many years ago.''
''I am appalled to think that a woman would actually stand up at a meeting and suggest that if (the chairman of the temple committee) lives in Bath, he should actually build his temple in Bath. Perhaps I read that wrong, but to me that sounds like the worst example of bigotry and prejudice I have heard in a long time! â We cannot let Richfield continue to be known for bigotry and hatred, but rather for tolerance and intelligence.''
Beth Newcomb, one of the homeowners who filed the appeal with the court, said the allegation of bigotry is insulting and false. She said the opposition fears the tranquility of the neighborhood will be disturbed and the zoning commission has failed to follow the code, she said.
''We are concerned about transforming this area into something other than a residential area,'' Newcomb said. ''We are concerned about an influx of people coming in, chanting and singing while we're trying to enjoy the peace and quiet of our neighborhood.
''I chose to live in a secluded area and I paid a premium to do it. Nobody from that church lives in this community. Why am I not entitled to continue living in the peace of this community?
''What they want to do mirrors commercial activity. We've suggested an alternative location in Richfield that would be more appropriate, but they don't seem to be interested.''
Expansion plans?
Newcomb said there is fear in the community that the temple will want to expand beyond a small operation.
Dr. Ram Bandi, chairman of the Sree Venkateswara Temple board, said that while initial plans called for a community hall and a small library, the proposal has been scaled back. He said the local Hindu community that worships the Sree Venkateswara deity includes a little more than 100 families and that the estimate of 1,000 devotees visiting the temple each month is based on that number.
''If you have 100 families of four that visit the temple twice a month, we count that as 800 devotees,'' said Bandi, who lives in Bath Township and has a gastroenterology practice in Cuyahoga Falls. ''Unlike some other religions, we don't have set service times. People come to the temple anytime they want to pray according to their own schedule. They normally stay about 15 or 20 minutes.''
Bandi said the temple would be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. A small house that already stands on the property would be maintained to house a priest, he said. Bandi said the lower level of the building would have a small kitchen and a place for devotees to leave their shoes.
Hinduism is the third-largest organized religion in the world, with almost a billion followers. Most Hindus are in India, although there is a growing population is the United States. The Hindu American Foundation estimates that 2 million Hindus of Indian origin are in the United States, and that there are another 1 million practicing American Hindus not of Indian origin.
Hinduism is not one religion but a collection of traditions with many variations. Hindus worship deities, which are representations of the one god they believe in. They are monotheistic, and their worship involves meditating, chanting and worshipping icons of the deities.
Bandi said he has no reason to believe that the opposition to the temple is motivated by bigotry. He said he believes if people were more familiar with Hinduism, they would understand that they have no intention of disturbing the neighborhood.
''There is nothing to fear. We are very peaceful. We don't believe in raising a big noise or commotion,'' Bandi said. ''Hindus believe that to serve humanity is to serve God.''
Colette Jenkins can be reached at 330-996-3731 or cjenkins@thebeaconjournal.com.
RICHFIELD: Mayor Michael Lyons is hoping for an amenable resolution to the controversy over the proposed construction of a Hindu temple in the village.
''This is a very polarizing kind of thing that leads to the insertion of issues (like bigotry) that have nothing to do with whether the proposal meets our code,'' Lyons said. ''I certainly hope that there can be a place where there is something that can work for everyone.''
At issue is the pending vote on the final plans for the proposed 3,772-square-foot Sree Venkateswara Temple of Cleveland on seven acres at 4406 Brecksville Road. The Richfield Planning and Zoning Commission could act on the plans as early as Tuesday, its next meeting, according to Roger D. Swan, planning and zoning director.
The commission approved preliminary plans for the temple on Nov. 27. Its decision was officially recorded on Dec. 11.
Nine days later, Concerned Richfield Homeowners, a group of local residents who oppose
construction of the temple, asked Summit County Common Pleas Court to review the commission's action.
The court has granted a stay, prohibiting the commission from granting any zoning permits for the temple pending a hearing before Judge Patricia Cosgrove. That means that if the commission approves the final plans on Tuesday, the village cannot immediately issue a zoning permit.
Meanwhile, representatives of the temple have asked that the appeal by the residents be dismissed because it was prematurely filed. They say that the appeal should not have been filed until final plans were approved by the commission.
The court could resolve the latter issue today. If the court dismisses the appeal, the Concerned Richfield Homeowners will refile if the zoning commission approves the final plans, according to the homeowners' attorney, Leland Cole.
Residential area
''My clients believe that the Planning and Zoning Commission acted improperly by permitting a Hindu temple to be built in a residentially zoned area,'' said Cole, whose clients live near the site of the proposed temple.
The residents have said they are concerned about an increase in traffic and noise. They are also concerned about the glare of parking lot lights devaluing homes in the neighborhood.
Others who have opposed the temple have voiced concerns about strangers coming into the neighborhood, prompting speculation that bigotry might be fueling the opposition. Correspondence in zoning department files ask such questions as: ''Why has Richfield become the place where all these odd religions want to be?'' ''How far do there (sic) members drive to get here?'' and ''Are these people safe?''
Currently, there is a Sikh temple in the village and there is a Jain temple in Richfield Township. All of the Christian churches in the village are in residential areas, according to Swan.
Support for Hindus
Another e-mail from a Richfield Township resident encourages construction of the temple and questions the motive behind the opposition.
The Jewish woman who writes it explains that her children were targets of ''overt discrimination'' from students in Revere schools who lived in Richfield ''many years ago.''
''I am appalled to think that a woman would actually stand up at a meeting and suggest that if (the chairman of the temple committee) lives in Bath, he should actually build his temple in Bath. Perhaps I read that wrong, but to me that sounds like the worst example of bigotry and prejudice I have heard in a long time! â We cannot let Richfield continue to be known for bigotry and hatred, but rather for tolerance and intelligence.''
Beth Newcomb, one of the homeowners who filed the appeal with the court, said the allegation of bigotry is insulting and false. She said the opposition fears the tranquility of the neighborhood will be disturbed and the zoning commission has failed to follow the code, she said.
''We are concerned about transforming this area into something other than a residential area,'' Newcomb said. ''We are concerned about an influx of people coming in, chanting and singing while we're trying to enjoy the peace and quiet of our neighborhood.
''I chose to live in a secluded area and I paid a premium to do it. Nobody from that church lives in this community. Why am I not entitled to continue living in the peace of this community?
''What they want to do mirrors commercial activity. We've suggested an alternative location in Richfield that would be more appropriate, but they don't seem to be interested.''
Expansion plans?
Newcomb said there is fear in the community that the temple will want to expand beyond a small operation.
Dr. Ram Bandi, chairman of the Sree Venkateswara Temple board, said that while initial plans called for a community hall and a small library, the proposal has been scaled back. He said the local Hindu community that worships the Sree Venkateswara deity includes a little more than 100 families and that the estimate of 1,000 devotees visiting the temple each month is based on that number.
''If you have 100 families of four that visit the temple twice a month, we count that as 800 devotees,'' said Bandi, who lives in Bath Township and has a gastroenterology practice in Cuyahoga Falls. ''Unlike some other religions, we don't have set service times. People come to the temple anytime they want to pray according to their own schedule. They normally stay about 15 or 20 minutes.''
Bandi said the temple would be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. A small house that already stands on the property would be maintained to house a priest, he said. Bandi said the lower level of the building would have a small kitchen and a place for devotees to leave their shoes.
Hinduism is the third-largest organized religion in the world, with almost a billion followers. Most Hindus are in India, although there is a growing population is the United States. The Hindu American Foundation estimates that 2 million Hindus of Indian origin are in the United States, and that there are another 1 million practicing American Hindus not of Indian origin.
Hinduism is not one religion but a collection of traditions with many variations. Hindus worship deities, which are representations of the one god they believe in. They are monotheistic, and their worship involves meditating, chanting and worshipping icons of the deities.
Bandi said he has no reason to believe that the opposition to the temple is motivated by bigotry. He said he believes if people were more familiar with Hinduism, they would understand that they have no intention of disturbing the neighborhood.
''There is nothing to fear. We are very peaceful. We don't believe in raising a big noise or commotion,'' Bandi said. ''Hindus believe that to serve humanity is to serve God.''