SAYREVILLE, NEW JERSEY, November 10, 2011 (gmnews): Owners of the Shree Dwarkadhish Temple on Washington Road in Sayreville aim to replace their building with a larger one that includes indoor residences as part of a $5 million redevelopment project. They are seeking approval from the borough Zoning Board of Adjustment to construct an 86,700-squarefoot, two-story Hindu house of worship that includes a 12-unit parsonage for temple personnel. The temple is asking the board to interpret whether or not the residences are considered “associated accessory uses” of religious services, which would be allowed under the borough’s current land development ordinances.
Attorney John Calzaretto, representing the temple, argues that the proposed living facilities are similar to vicarages, rectories or convents of other Judeo-Christian religions and should be permitted at the location. He also stressed that the 12 people who use the parsonages are required to live on-site as per the traditions of the Pushtimargiya Hindu sect. In accordance with the religion, the mukhiyaji (priests), the bhitariyaji (specialized cooks) and the kirtaniyaji (temple musicians) are required to live at the temple to provide necessary religious services. Four of each would live in the 12 units.
The building proposal was scheduled to be heard at the board’s October meeting but was pushed back to December 14. Many residents turned out for the October meeting, unaware the hearing was being rescheduled. Barbara Kilcommons, of Schmitt Street, does not agree with the lawyer’s likening of the residences to those at a Catholic church.