Source

CHINO HILLS, CALIFORNIA, September 16, 2004: A Hindu sect must modify plans for a temple and community center or seek another location after the project failed to win approval from the City Council. The Chino Hills council, in a 4-1 vote, rejected a zoning change that would have allowed the sect to build a temple with five spires, one reaching up to 73 feet, for hundreds of Southern California worshippers (see website here). The council vote, following a six-hour public hearing that drew hundreds of people and ended early Wednesday, was a victory for residents who said the temple complex was too large and would generate excessive traffic. Planners said the temple was expected to attract 800 to 900 worshippers on Sundays. Officials with the sect, known as BAPS, plan to meet with city staff to discuss possible modifications to their project, said Govind Vaghashia, a spokesman for the group. Chino Hills Mayor Gary Larson, the only one on the council to support the project, blamed a not-in-my-backyard sentiment among neighbors. “I think too many emotions got involved,” he said.

Post Views: 667