Fairview Mayor Pleads with Church to Reach Common Understanding on Temple Height
In the ongoing dispute between a small North Texas town and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Fairview Mayor Henry Lessner is urging church decision-makers to reach a common understanding and avoid a legal battle over the height of the McKinney Texas Temple.
A Call for Understanding
"It is time that the LDS decision makers learn about our town, why we think it is special, why thousands of our residents are so passionate about wanting the LDS Church to follow our zoning laws, and the efforts made over the years to protect our environment and character of our town," Lessner wrote in a statement. "I am ready to travel to Salt Lake to meet with someone who is a decision maker in the LDS hierarchy to see if we can come to a common understanding that will avoid a lawsuit."
A Year of Dispute
The dispute over the proposed temple’s height has been ongoing for about a year, with the church initially proposing a 174-foot-tall structure. The town denied the permit request, citing residential zoning restrictions that cap building heights at 35 feet. The church then submitted a revised plan, which included a 120-foot-tall building with a steeple, but the town still rejected it.
A Last Resort
The church has notified the town of its intention to file a lawsuit against Fairview, citing the Texas Religious Freedom Restoration Act. The church alleges that the town’s denial of the permit request violates its rights to free exercise of religion and nondiscrimination in land use regulation.
A Small-Town Character at Stake
Town leaders and members of Fairview United, a group opposing the temple’s height, argue that the towering structure would violate the small-town character of Fairview, which prides itself as "Keeping it Country." They are pushing for a steeple height of no more than 68 feet, the same as the church’s existing meeting house in Fairview.
A Call to Action
Lessner has pledged to travel to Salt Lake City to meet with church leadership, hoping to find a compromise that will avoid a lawsuit. "The Town is working to get this process back on track," he wrote. "I would have voted in favor of the 120-foot result of mediation and hopes the church resubmits its application."
Fairview Residents Unite
Fairview residents have been vocal in their opposition to the temple’s height, with some welcoming a lawsuit if it means standing their ground. The Fairview Legal Defense Fund Choir has even been established to raise money for the town’s zoning defense fund.
Conclusion
The dispute over the McKinney Texas Temple’s height has been a contentious one, with both sides dug in and unwilling to budge. However, Fairview Mayor Henry Lessner’s call for a common understanding and avoidance of a lawsuit may be the best chance for a resolution. Will the church and the town be able to find a compromise that satisfies both parties?
FAQs
Q: What is the height of the proposed temple?
A: The church initially proposed a 174-foot-tall structure, but later revised the plan to a 120-foot-tall building with a steeple.
Q: Why is the town opposing the temple’s height?
A: The town argues that the structure would violate the small-town character of Fairview, which prides itself as "Keeping it Country."
Q: What is the Texas Religious Freedom Restoration Act?
A: The act is a state law that aims to protect religious freedom and prevent discrimination in land use regulation.
Q: What is the Fairview Legal Defense Fund?
A: The fund is a group of residents who are raising money to support the town’s zoning defense efforts.
Q: Will the church continue to pursue a lawsuit?
A: The church has notified the town of its intention to file a lawsuit, citing the Texas Religious Freedom Restoration Act.
