http://www.pluralism.org/news/article.php?id=15478
Buddhist Temple Coverage Proliferates With Supreme Court Appeal (Connecticut)
Mar 15, 2007
by Andrew Gorosko
The Newtown Bee/The Buddhist Channel
Newtown, CT (USA) -- More than four years after its rejection by the Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z), a religious group's proposal to construct a Buddhist temple/meeting hall on its ten-acre property in a residential area at 145 Boggs Hill Road is drawing wider public attention.
On March 6, the Connecticut Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the appeal of the Cambodian Buddhist Society of Connecticut, Inc, which seeks to overturn a lower court decision, which upheld the P&Z's February 2003 rejection of the society's proposal to build a 7,600-square-foot Buddhist temple/meeting hall.
The Hartford Courant, the state's largest newspaper, covered the court proceedings in its March 7 edition. The Courant also published a news feature on the topic on March 12.
The Courant's coverage was picked up by The Associated Press, a news agency that distributes published news stories. Organizations interested in the Buddhist temple issue provided The Courant's news content on their websites on the Internet.
http://www.pluralism.org/news/article.php?id=15049
Board Wary of Temple's Parking Accommodations (New Jersey)
Feb 1, 2007
by Chris Gaetano
Sentinel
SOUTH BRUNSWICK - The township Zoning Board continued to deliberate on a Hindu temple proposed for Route 27 in Kendall Park during the Jan. 25 meeting.
The temple is being proposed by an organization called Bharat Sevashram Sangha of North America, which is described by the applicant's attorney, Rosalind Westlake, as "a form of very traditional Hinduism." If approved, it would be the only temple for that particular sect in all of New Jersey. At the moment, a single house, where the monks live, sits on the parcel of land where the temple would be.
According to the applicant's engineer, Julia Algeo, the temple will occupy 6,904 square feet in total, with a total capacity of 150 people. There will be 59 parking spaces and a stormwater basin toward the front edge of the property. According to Westlake, the temple will have a main floor for religious services, a mezzanine above that would have classrooms, and a 5,000-square-foot basement that would have a kitchen and bathrooms.
Hearings for the application began during the zoning board's Jan. 11 meeting, but because it was very late at night, it was decided that they would continue discussion during the Jan. 25 meeting. During this meeting, the board heard testimony from the applicant's engineer and traffic engineer, as well as from Swami Amarnath Ananda, who answered questions on the temple's potential comings and goings.
http://www.pluralism.org/news/article.php?id=13916
Religious Group Hits Snag in Quest for New Temple (New York)
Oct 25, 2006
by Robert J. Bruss
New York House
The Guru Nanak Sikh Society applied for a building permit to construct a temple that would seat 75 people on a 1.9-acre parcel on the outskirts of town. But the neighbors protested because there would be considerable traffic on the residential streets. The permit was denied.
To meet these objections, the members purchased a 28-acre parcel in an agricultural zone further away from the city. They applied for a building permit. The county planning commission granted the permit, subject to 20 special conditions such as traffic mitigation.
But a few neighbors appealed to the county board of supervisors, arguing this would be an undesirable "leapfrog development" away from the town. After a public hearing, the county reversed the planning commission and denied the permit by a 4-0 vote.
Guru Nanak Sikh Society then sued the county for denying a building permit, claiming religious discrimination. The members alleged violation of the federal Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA) and the U.S. Constitution. They alleged their 75-seat temple would be away from a residential or business area, and they would comply with the 20 special conditions imposed by the county planning commission.
http://www.pluralism.org/news/article.php?id=13781
Hindu Temple Coming to Sugar Hill (Georgia)
Oct 11, 2006
by Christy Smith
Gwinnett Daily Post
After five years of holding services inside Norcrossâ Global Mall, Hindu Temple Shiv Mandir will have a home in Sugar Hill. The templeâs 11.34 acres on Peachtree Industrial Boulevard is half paid for. Contractors are ready to start building the 40,000-square-foot temple with about 250 parking spaces. However, 22 of those proposed parking spaces would encroach within 37 feet of Level Creek in three places. Sugar Hill requires a 50-foot setback from streams. City Councilmen tabled until November the congregationâs request for a variance that would allow those extra parking spaces to be built 13 feet inside the buffer. Part of the driveway would also slip 25 feet inside the required 75-foot privacy buffer that shelters Parkview subdivision from the temple. For several years, developer Dick Myrick fought for the right to build a three-story apartment complex on the site. The legal battle was settled in July, and the property sold to the templeâs congregation. âThe buffer zones are here to protect our drinking water,â said Henry Leach. Betty Lemmons, into whose house the templeâs lights would shine, argued that councilmen shouldnât back down from their own regulations. âWhy invoke laws if you back down so easily?â Lemmons asked. âWe need to stand by our easements and rules.â
http://www.pluralism.org/news/article.php?id=13194
Plans for Hindu Cultural Center in East Windsor Stir Debate (New Jersey)
Aug 13, 2006
The Times of Trenton
On August 13, 2006 The Times of Trenton reported, "To some, the $142 million center proposed for a chunk of land near the New Jersey Turnpike would be a boon for the region, a place where devotees of a Hindu sect and the area's burgeoning Indian population could revel in their culture. To others, though, the center represents intense development that would generate too much traffic. Plans by a nonprofit Indian organization to build the cultural and religious center on 152 acres near Turnpike Interchange 8 and Route 33 have spawned an intense debate about the size of the project and how it has been handled by East Windsor officials. Residents are questioning whether Mayor Janice Mironov has been secretly negotiating with the religious organization, a suggestion she denies. Meanwhile, the president of a huge homeowners association in East Windsor is leading calls for a reduction in scope of the project. These stumbling blocks are nothing new to BAPS, the Hindu sect that proposed the complex in what is now an industrial-farm zone... BAPS's preliminary plans call for the construction of 17 buildings and a monument on 20 acres, leaving the rest of the property untouched and preserving wetlands. The complex would be fashioned in a style of Indian architecture that features intricate stonework and tall buildings with porticos and domes with pointed tips. Plans include a 71-foot-tall house of worship, an assembly hall, a yoga and meditation center, a visitors center, a lavish garden, food court, restaurant, library, research centers and a 120-foot-tall monument. Some residents are opposed to the proposed height of the house of worship and the monument."
http://www.pluralism.org/news/article.php?id=13136
Yuba City Gurdwara Wins in Zoning Battle (California)
Aug 7, 2006
The Appeal-Democrat
On August 7, 2006 The Appeal-Democrat reported, "Sutter County supervisors erred when they rejected a new Sikh temple near Yuba City, a federal appeals court ruled Tuesday. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco ruled in favor of the Guru Nanak Sikh Society, which asked the county for permission to convert a building on 29 acres of agriculturally-zoned land at 1298 South George Washington Blvd. to a temple accommodating 75 people. The court ruled that supervisors imposed a 'substantial burden' on the Sikhs' religious exercise under the federal Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act of 2000, or RLUIPA. The board had previously refused the Sikhs' request to build on a two-acre site in a residential neighborhood on Grove Road. Sutter County 'did not assert, much less prove, compelling interests for its action,' the appeals court said. Society spokesman Sukhcharan Singh said he hopes work on the temple can begin soon... But Supervisor Dennis Nelson, who voted against the temple in 2003, did not rule out appealing Tuesday's decision. 'I think the law is incorrect,' Nelson said about RLUIPA. 'What we've got is a law that allows a church to build any place without consideration for adjoining landowners.'"
http://www.pluralism.org/news/article.php?id=12954
Deptford Gurdwara Proposal Approved by Planning Board (New Jersey)
Jul 13, 2006
Courier-Post
On July 13, 2006 Courier-Post reported, "Despite objections from some residents, the planning board unanimously approved a proposal for the construction of a Sikh house of worship on Fox Run Road... Dave Barger, an architect for the project, said groundbreaking would be late next year. He said it would take about 12 months to complete the project. Holly Glaze-Donahue, an opponent of the project, said she planned to appeal the decision. About 40 people attended the meeting. 'It doesn't belong in this town,' she said. 'We're still trying to find the facts about the Indian burial ground (on the site).' Some residents were hoping that rumors of a Native American burial site on the property would halt plans for the gurdwara, a Sikh house of worship. Township administrator William Saunders dismissed the allegation as rumor. Fox Run Road residents have said that they want the wooded, 18-acre site, once a pig farm, left as open space. A traffic engineer's report prepared for the applicant, the Guru Nanak Society of Delaware Valley, concluded that the proposed facility would have minimal impact on traffic, meaning waits for all turns would be no more than 20 seconds. [Some residents disagree with that assessment.] Deptford Township High School sits on Fox Run Road and there are a few scattered homes amid horse farms and wooded tracts in the area. The Guru Nanak Society wants to build a 20,000-square-foot building topped by three small domes. Trustees representing the Sikhs said their current facility is cramped and they need more meeting space... The gurdwara would feature a prayer hall and dining hall on ground level, 6,500 square feet of classroom space on the second floor, plus a covered entry and ramp for the disabled. A priest's house would also be built on the site."
http://www.pluralism.org/news/article.php?id=12797
Gwinnett County Commissioners Reject Plans for Hindu Temple (Georgia)
Jun 28, 2006
Gwinnett Daily Post
On June 28, 2006 Gwinnett Daily Post reported, "Gwinnett County commissioners nixed plans for a Hindu temple near Lilburn Tuesday night. They said the marble-and-stone structure topped by domes and spires would not mesh with the surrounding area, and that it would be too intense of a use for the 4 acres at Lawrenceville Highway and Braden Drive. In a bid to gain the commission�s approval, the Hindu congregation had offered to shrink the ornate temple from 13,200 square feet to 10,000 square feet, and altogether drop an activity center from its plans... Nearby residents asked commissioners to block the ornate temple. They said it would be out of character with their quiet subdivisions and cause traffic problems... Although the spires on top of the domes would reach 67 feet into the air, the building itself would be about 35 feet tall, Suhagia said. And despite being designed for 200 worshipers, it would only serve about 25 people in the beginning, he said. Commissioner Bert Nasuti... said... the temple would eventually affect residents. 'I've never seen a church or religious facility that doesn't want to grow,' said the commissioner... [T]he Hindu sect was asking the county to change rules placed on the land in 2004 when it was rezoned with a day care in mind. The rules mandate any building be made of brick and glass, and prohibit the marble and stone blocks that would been shipped from India for use in making the temple. The glass-and-brick building requirement was established during the 2004 rezoning at the behest of area residents, who wanted to ensure whatever went on the land fit with existing buildings. The Hindu congregation also needed a tall structure permit so it could build the domes. Afterward some members seemed crestfallen, but the group's president, Mansukh Dhanani, was optimistic that it would find another location in Gwinnett County... Behind him a man had walked up to Suhagia and was telling him he had land for sale in Gwinnett that would be a good spot for a temple."
http://www.pluralism.org/news/article.php?id=12691
Bridgewater Hindu Leaders Determined to Build Temple, Despite Three Zoning Rejections (New Jersey)
Jun 18, 2006
Newsday.com/AP
On June 18, 2006 the Associated Press reported, "Leaders of the Sri Venkateswara Hindu temple [in Bridgewater] want to expand its cultural center, and despite being thrice denied by the township's zoning board, they aren't giving up. The temple's leaders say they don't think prejudice is the reason the township keeps turning them away, but that it [the township] may be ignorant to Hindu Culture. Opponents say they fear overdevelopment of the temple site and traffic congestion. In its third and latest try to get approval for a larger cultural center from the township's zoning board last month, the temple scaled back the proposed center's size to 22,000 square feet, down from 24,000 in its second try and 38,000 square feet in its first. But the zoning board again voted against the temple. Temple leaders plan to take the township Superior Court, to request that the zoning board approve their request. A new cultural center would let the temple hold language and dance classes and give its members sufficient space for dining, seating and costume changes. According to Madhusudhan Rao Chava, the head of the temple's board of trustees, the temple must rent space from nearby schools for large performances. Temple secretary Bapineedu Kuchipudi said that space to perform Hindu dance and ceremonies is crucial to the practice of the religion."
http://www.pluralism.org/news/article.php?id=11903
Plans for Hindu Shrine Abandoned After Opposition Launched Website and Letter-Writing Campaign (New Jersey)
Feb 27, 2006
Courier News
On February 27, 2006 the Courier News reported, "An application to build a Hindu shrine in the borough has been withdrawn, days after it spawned an anonymous website and newsletter campaign opposing its construction... Lloyd Tubman, attorney for the Nori Foundation, which had proposed the shrine, confirmed Friday that the application was withdrawn because of escalating costs... The Nori Foundation announced last July that it had purchased six acres of land along Amwell Road and would build a sai mandir, a shrine to Indian guru Sai Baba. The Millstone Planning Board already had had one meeting on the application, and a second hearing was to be conducted Tuesday... Last week, a four-page newsletter was mailed to residents, and a website, www.savemillstone.org, was launched. Both sought to gather opposition against the proposal, saying the shrine was too large for the borough of less than 500 people. The website and the newsletter used the borough's municipal building as a return address. That prompted borough council members to denounce the opposition effort as fraudulent, and council members took pains in a statement Tuesday to say the borough and its officials had no connection with the campaign... Officials did not know who organized and financed the newsletter and website."
http://www.pluralism.org/news/article.php?id=11396
Update: Ashland Hindu Temple Plans Updated to Meet Neighbors� Concerns (Massachusetts)
Dec 15, 2005
Ashland Tab
On December 15, 2005 the Ashland Tab reported, "Ashland officials at one of the largest Hindu temples in New England told the Planning Board they are updating construction plans to meet neighborsâ concerns about parking, fencing, lighting and stormwater drainage. Sri Lakshmi temple officials and their engineers met with neighbors Dec. 1 to talk about plans for the 117 Waverley St. property. Temple Trustee Harish Dang said they want to be good neighbors by dealing with any concerns... Temple engineer Nalin Mistry, of Mistry Associates of Reading, said plans updated with neighborsâ suggestions move a proposed parking lot back by about 55 feet... The updated plans also include wooden fencing on the propertyâs east and west sides, to better shield neighbors from noise, light and sound, said Mistry... Officials are also designing lighting so that lights at the perimeter of the parking lot are shut off on timers at 10 p.m., said Mistry. Outside lighting on the temple building that shines onto neighborsâ properties will be removed, he said. Temple officials also vowed to give neighbors a schedule of religious holidays. When traffic is expected to surge, the temple plans to use off-site parking, said Mistry... If all goes smoothly with the Planning Board, and the Board of Health, construction could begin by summer, officials said."
http://www.pluralism.org/news/article.php?id=6432
Hindu Temple Zoning Dispute Continues in Edison
Mar 11, 2004
The Courier News
On March 11, 2004 The Courier News reported, "The Township Council has sided with residents who fear a proposed Hindu temple in neighboring South Plainfield would disrupt their quiet neighborhood. On Wednesday night, council members cited traffic concerns, not religious denomination, in adopting a resolution in opposition to the proposed one-story, 14,000-square-foot temple on the former Coastal Oil site. 'This particular development can negatively impact, quite seriously, a neighborhood in Edison,' said Councilman Anthony Massaro. The International Swaminarayan Satsang Organization is seeking to build the temple on an area zoned for light industrial use."
http://www.pluralism.org/news/article.php?id=5874
A New Hindu Temple in Wichita
Jan 24, 2004
The Wichita Eagle
On January 24, 2004 the Wichita Eagle reported, "At Wichita's only Hindu temple, Sriraman Kadambi makes sure the gods are properly cared for. He is the priest for the temple at 320 N. Zelta, a modest, white building outside but elaborately decorated inside... On Feb. 7, the Hindu Temple will celebrate Thai Poosam festival. According to Hindu tradition, the ceremony celebrates the victory of Lord Subramanya, the son of one of Hindu's greatest gods, Lord Shiva, over the evil demon Tharakasura. Opened in June 2002, the temple is a long-awaited source of pride and identity for the Indian Hindu community, which is estimated at 250 families and 400 students; most of the latter attend Wichita State University. " The temple was completed despite a zoning controversy that erupted nearly four years over the temple's constuction.
http://www.pluralism.org/news/article.php?id=5826
New Jersey Planning Board Hears Indian Temple Proposal
Jan 16, 2004
The Courier-Post
On January 16, 2004 The Courier-Post reported, "The planning board in Evesham heard revised plans Thursday night for a proposed $2.5 million Indian temple, cultural center, hotel and shopping center on 28 acres off Route 73. Board members said they were concerned that the 190 parking spaces would be inadequate since the assembly hall would host religious festivals, weddings and other events. Board members had yet to vote on the new plans at press time. Plans call for three buildings - a 19,400-square-foot cultural center and a Hindu temple; a hotel and conference hall; and a shopping center - on a section of Route 73, between Ardsley Drive and Dutch Road. Timothy Prime, attorney for applicant Dr. Dhiraj Panda of Marlton, said there would be no more than 570 people at the facility at any time. He said applications for church projects are not held to the same scrutiny in terms of their capacity."
http://www.pluralism.org/news/article.php?id=5321
Judge Overturns Denial for Sikh Building Permit in Yuba City
Nov 21, 2003
The Sacramento Bee
On November 21, 2003 The Sacramento Bee reported, "A Sacramento federal judge on Wednesday ordered Sutter County to allow construction of a Sikh temple on a 30-acre plot of farmland west of Yuba City. U.S. District Judge Lawrence K. Karlton invalidated the 2002 denial by the Sutter County Board of Supervisors of a conditional-use permit for the temple's construction, and he barred the board from enforcing that decision. The judge ordered the board to approve the application of a Sikh religious organization, subject only to conditions already agreed to by the organization. It appears the supervisors used a land-use decision to impose a burden on Guru Nanak Sikh Society of Yuba City that 'inhibits religious practice,' in violation of the federal Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA) of 2000."
http://www.pluralism.org/news/article.php?id=669
Hindus Lose Battle to Make Former Masonic Temple into Cultural Center
Jan 15, 2000
The San Francisco Chronicle
On January 15, 2000, The San Francisco Chronicle reported that the East Bay Hindu organization will have to look elsewhere to find a home for a cultural center after an attempt to move into a former Masonic Temple in Concord, California failed. Concord city staffers denied the cultural center's application to move into the building because new zoning regulations for that neighborhood specify that the building be used for tax-generating purposes. The building's owner submitted a proposal to move a radio station into the former Temple that will probably be approved. Narender Taneja, president of the East Bay Hindu organization, stated: "It's not the end of the world. We're still going to try to find a place for our cultural center. If not here, we'll look elsewhere."
http://www.pluralism.org/news/article.php?id=740
Buena Park, California Rejects Plan for Hindu Temple
Nov 3, 1999
Los Angeles Times
On November 3, 1999, the Los Angeles Times reported that city leaders in Buena Park, CA turned down a proposed $50-million Hindu complex on Tuesday, November 2nd. The complex would have included the nation's most lavish Hindu temple, a 20,000-square-foot structure with golden walls and spires, and the second biggest temple outside of India after the Hindu temple in London, England. The Buena Park City Council voted to oppose zoning changes necessary for the Hindu complex to be built, since the site is located in the city's "entertainment corridor." The vote took place at a tense and crowded public meeting where residents voiced overwhelming opposition to the project, on the basis of traffic, parking, and noise problems. Michael Sieverts, vice president of a real estate investment company that is helping the Hindu group Bochasanwasi Shree Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha with the project, voiced disapproval over the City Council's vote, stating that they "essentially voted to not even negotiate with the Hindus...That's not fair. This was just supposed to be a study session...We didn't even get a chance to offer a formal proposal." Shukavak Das, a Hindu scholar and head priest of the Lakshmi Narayan Mandir in Riverside, CA, expressed support for the Hindu organization coordinating the project: "They are a first-class Hindu organization and Buena Park should be taking this thing with open arms...It would bring a lot of business. If they do what they did in London, it will be...an architectural monument." Das added that, "there's a renaissance of Hinduism in America right now...Organizations from all over India are building temples in American cities as fast as they can."
http://www.pluralism.org/news/article.php?id=1029
Proposed Hindu Temple Creates Controversy in New York
Feb 10, 1999
Newsday
On February 10, 1999, Newsday published an article on the problems that Swadhyaya, a Hindu philosophical movement, is experiencing over a proposed Swadhyaya center in Floral Park, NY. A civic group and a local Catholic priest are opposing the proposed $1.5 million center because they say it will "violate zoning laws and create traffic and congestion to an already growing neighborhood." Community board members recently voted to reject the proposed center due to the fact that it is "wider and taller than other area buildings and would require variances because of the proposed structure's height." The community board acts only as an advisory panel, so the final decision will be made by the city's Board of Standards and Appeals. Mary McGee, an associate professor of religion at Columbia University who is studying the influx of Hindu temples in the area, stated: "There may be legitimate community concerns about zoning and traffic. Or they may be using these concerns to hide some sort of prejudice. But from the information we have gathered, there has been hostility and usually some level of discomfort with Hindu temples and centers. It's generated from misunderstanding and fear or concern."
Maybe the opposing party shouldn't consist of a Catholic priest. Their plan would appear less deceiving. These are the ways Hindus get shafted.
Some comments
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http://www.topix.net/forum/source/akron-be...GGTC2GMGQBGJOR5
Resident
Whitesville, WV
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#1
Apr 21, 2008
This is a plain bigotry and hate campaign against Hindus.
Puleeze
Cleveland, OH
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#2
Apr 21, 2008
This is a place of worship - not a terrorist camp. What is wrong with you people?
Old Man Grump April 21
Streetsboro, OH
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#3
Apr 21, 2008
These are not American hating Muslims from the near east. Let them build their place of worship.
mots
Richmond, VA
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#4
Apr 21, 2008
would they complain if a jewish synogogue was built on the property?
this is america and we are not supposed to have a class system....all though some people think we do. remember the metro bus parking lot in bath? heaven forbid!
DNB
Cleveland, OH
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#7
Apr 21, 2008
Hinduism is the 4th largest religious group in the world. With 16% of the worlds' population practicing hinduism, it is ignorant to state that it is an "odd" religion. Non-judgment day is near!
Betamax
Joined: Mar 2, 2007
Comments: 4920
Akron, OH
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#8
Apr 21, 2008
I can understand why the Hindu folks would like to have their temple in a nice quiet community. For some reason, I jes' can't see them feelin' too comfortable in Akron or Cleveland.
I also don't see any bigotry in the residents desire to maintain their residential community. It is their community after all, and they should have the right to decide what they want there. As it is, the folks who opposed the temple, only opposed it in the proposed location, they offered another location, within the community, as an alternative.
Jack
Cleveland, OH
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#11
Apr 21, 2008
mots wrote:
would they complain if a jewish synogogue was built on the property?
yes they would...as is their right as property owners.
pete
Akron, OH
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#12
Apr 21, 2008
The way I see it, as promised by the Constitution of the United States and I am sure by the Charter of the mentioned city, is that this is a democracy. So majority should rule, and if necessary this disagreement should be settled by plebicite.
If they don't want a Hindu temple, so what...there are many other areas in Summit county to locate.
History Upside Down - The Roots of Palestinian Fascism and the Myth of Israeli Agression
Claire
Alliance, OH
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#13
Apr 21, 2008
Please come to Akron. We would love to have an influx of wealthy educated families of worshippers in my community.
JAFO
Connersville, IN
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#14
Apr 21, 2008
It is interesting to note that just 2 doors South of the proposed building site on the same side of the street there is an Alzheimers nursing facility & Doctor & Dentistry building, but they don't seem to be too concerned about that.
The Alzheimer facility (Pine Valley) is a 24 hr. operation with a lit parking lot.
Their concerns sound a bit suspect perhaps?!
CC Baxter
Akron, OH
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#15
Apr 21, 2008
Jack wrote:
<quoted text>
yes they would...as is their right as property owners.
I thought your right as a property owner was to have a say in how you use your own property...not someone else's property.
If you mean "the right to comment on a development proposal", that is a right that extends to all people, whether they are property owners or not.
People in the suburbs are such bumpkins. Parking lot light glare? Give me a break.
This mentality is the reason that we will never end our dependence on oil, or build things in ways that make the least bit of sense. Back in ancient times (50 years ago) people used to live near churches, synagogues and (GOD FORBID) stores. This was so things would actually be convenient and one wouldn't have to drive five miles to buy a gallon of milk.
But now, in our paranoid modern era, we would rather hole up in our suburban bunkers and await the apocalypse. Which might just come in the form of a Hindu temple.
CC Baxter
Akron, OH
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#16
Apr 21, 2008
pete wrote:
The way I see it, as promised by the Constitution of the United States and I am sure by the Charter of the mentioned city, is that this is a democracy. So majority should rule, and if necessary this disagreement should be settled by plebicite.
If they don't want a Hindu temple, so what...there are many other areas in Summit county to locate.
Would you say the same thing if you replaced the words "black people" with "Hindu temple"?
idiots
Akron, OH
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#17
Apr 21, 2008
DNB wrote:
Hinduism is the 4th largest religious group in the world. With 16% of the worlds' population practicing hinduism, it is ignorant to state that it is an "odd" religion. Non-judgment day is near!
Thanks, DNB. You are so right. Hinduism is also the oldest "living" religion. I dare say other religions borrowed some of their concepts from Hinduism and that told their people the religion was pagan. Hinduism has the concept of one God. It also has a Trinity. It also has saints and angels. Some scholars believe that Jesus' sermon on the mount is a compilation of Hindu and Jewish sayings. Hindus also have the most incredible respect for life - especially human life! The idiot bigots need to get their acts together. You want good neighbors? You want safe neighbors? You want the value of your neighborhood preserved? Well welcome the Hindus with open arms then. Help them move in!
Figures
Ashley, OH
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#18
Apr 21, 2008
From the comments noted in the article, I bet they wouldn't be complaining if there was a megachurch being built there.
True, as property owners, they do have the right to complain. But if they have been sleeping on their rights regarding other large, well-lit structures in the area, they'll have an uphill battle to fight.
Arnie Argenio
Canton, OH
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#21
Apr 21, 2008
Amazing. In this country we have freedom of religion and civil liberties...but only if you follow "our" religion!?!?!
This is just plain bigotry.
Those residents should be ashamed of themselves.
Arnie Argenio
Canton, OH
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#22
Apr 21, 2008
Betamax wrote:
I also don't see any bigotry in the residents desire to maintain their residential community. It is their community after all, and they should have the right to decide what they want there. As it is, the folks who opposed the temple, only opposed it in the proposed location, they offered another location, within the community, as an alternative.
Yeah, but I bet if a good ol' Amerikan Christian church wanted to build there...no problem!
Arnie Argenio
Canton, OH
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#23
Apr 21, 2008
Claire wrote:
Please come to Akron. We would love to have an influx of wealthy educated families of worshippers in my community.
I would be honored to have a Hindu temple in my neighboorhood.
Not only wealthy, smart, and clean...but also peaceful, hardworking, and very devotional.
Seems like a win/win to me.
Arnie Argenio
Canton, OH
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#24
Apr 21, 2008
Joe Below wrote:
<quoted text>
I would! Boot em back to Africa.
That's because you are an idiot.
Also, how about we send back whatever "mutt" nationality you belong to?
What if the Native Americans said the same thing about your white-trash family?
Jack
Cleveland, OH
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Report Abuse
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Judge it!
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#26
Apr 21, 2008
CC Baxter wrote:
<quoted text>
I thought your right as a property owner was to have a say in how you use your own property...not someone else's property.
If you mean "the right to comment on a development proposal", that is a right that extends to all people, whether they are property owners or not.
People in the suburbs are such bumpkins. Parking lot light glare? Give me a break.
This mentality is the reason that we will never end our dependence on oil, or build things in ways that make the least bit of sense. Back in ancient times (50 years ago) people used to live near churches, synagogues and (GOD FORBID) stores. This was so things would actually be convenient and one wouldn't have to drive five miles to buy a gallon of milk.
But now, in our paranoid modern era, we would rather hole up in our suburban bunkers and await the apocalypse. Which might just come in the form of a Hindu temple.
This area is zoned residential. Did you also miss that fact?
Thomas
Akron, OH
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Report Abuse
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Judge it!
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#27
Apr 21, 2008
they should build this in the community that their members live in, not put it in one that doesn't want it. All it's going to do is spawn hate period.
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