LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – A group of neighbors opposed to a planned temple by Las Vegas’ Lone Mountain are calling for compromise rather than continuation of their lawsuit.
The Nevada Rural Preservation Alliance filed a lawsuit against the City of Las Vegas, voicing concerns over the unanimous approval of the 70,000 square foot temple for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the process for its approval.
The group pointed out how a similar scenario in Fairview, Texas ended in compromise. After residents expressed concerns over the size of a proposed LDS temple, the church agreed to drop the height of the temple by 54 feet, and the square footage shrank by 33%.
FOX5 obtained a copy of a letter from the city’s mayor, announcing the settlement after negotiations between neighbors, the church and city leaders.
“Let’s come to the table and let’s make some compromises. Not everybody’s going to be happy, but at least it will be something that we could all live with,” said Sue Kristensen of the Alliance.
For months, FOX5 has reported how a group of residents believe that the approval process moved quickly and without consideration of homeowners’ concerns.
In March, the City Council of Las Vegas voted to amend longstanding code in the district, paving the way for houses of worship to apply for a Special Use Permit to build in the area.
In July, an attorney for the project told city leaders that the Church made various compromises to address residents’ concerns and the Planning Commission’s requests, making sure temple lights would not emanate out of the property onto other buildings.
The church also agreed to lower the height of the steeple to 196 feet.
A spokesperson for the church tells FOX5, they had nothing to add at this time, noting that the neighbors’ lawsuit is against the City of Las Vegas.
The city does not comment on pending litigation.
The next court date for the lawsuit is in February.
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