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SOUTH PLAINFIELD, U.S.A. March 13, 2004: The borough Zoning Board has voted unanimously to block the proposed construction of a Hindu temple in New Jersey. The International Swaminarayan Satsang Organization wanted to build a one-story, 14,000-square-foot temple on a 6.7-acre tract zoned for light-industrial use. “The congestion and traffic would be a detriment to the safety and welfare of the residents,” Zoning Board Chairman Bill Thomas said when the board voted 7-0 Thursday night to deny the application. Dhruval Shah, director of the Swaminarayan Satsang’s Central New Jersey chapter said “I am extremely disappointed. I am shocked with how the board voted.” Shah said his organization is prepared to appeal the board’s decision. But in order to file an appeal, the Swaminarayans have to wait for the Zoning Board to adopt a resolution regarding the denial. The resolution should be drafted by mid-April, a borough official said.

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