Planning Commission Approves Zoning Change for Mormon Temple

PHOENIX - Tuesday night, supporters and opponents of a controversial construction project went head-to-head in a public forum. But the proposed Mormon temple in north Phoenix may be one step closer to reality.

The city's planning commission tentatively approved the project, but before they did so, they heard from people on both sides of the debate at a meeting held at Central High School.

The issue isn't about religion, but the building design. The LDS church wants to make their temple 40 feet tall, with a 78-foot steeple and a lighted spire at night. Currently, the area is zoned only for buildings with a height of 30 feet.

Neighbors who live nearby say the height and the steeple will obstruct their mountain views -- views they paid for.

"We're concerned about traffic, lighting, just the blocked views, and really the impact it's going to have on the neighborhood," says homeowner Pearley Lewis.

Allen Jones lives very close to the proposed temple's location, 51st Ave and Pinnacle Peak Rd. "The reason we're out there, is that we like the quiet, we like the lack of traffic, and we like the dark skies. And if that goes up, that's going to take that away."

Others say the temple will be a welcome improvement to the neighborhood. Church members also turned out to cast their support for the temple.

The City Council will take a final vote early next month. If they give it the green light, construction would start sometime next year.