2 June 2011: Website Updates and Neighborhood Agreement
The pre-site work burying cables, relocating vegetation and creating the temporary parking lot is nearing completion and construction on the temple will be starting soon. We are also pleased to introduce several significant updates to this Web site, and to provide highlights of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Church and the neighborhood coalition.
The FAQ section has been expanded to include additional video segments from neighbors of other temples, all members of other faiths, who talk about their experience living near a temple. Under the Additional Info banner, you can find interior photos of temples. There is also a new link to newsroom.lds.org for news and features about the Church.
On Monday, 23 May 2011, a meeting was held between representatives of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints ("Church") and the Phoenix Property Rights Coalition ("Neighborhood Group"). The meeting was requested by the Neighborhood Group for the purpose of seeking understanding and compromise with Church representatives on their concerns related to traffic, parking, lighting, and height of the Phoenix temple. Thereafter, a Memorandum of Understating ("MOU") was entered into which sets forth the common ground and mutual understanding reached between the parties at the meeting.
Highlights of the Memorandum of Understanding
The parties agreed to establish a steering committee made up of a local Church leader and the Phoenix Temple President, along with designated individuals from the Neighborhood Group. The steering committee may discuss traffic, parking, and other issues that may arise as a result of the Phoenix Temple. The Church is committed to taking steps reasonably necessary to help alleviate traffic or parking problems that may arise as a result of the Phoenix Temple.
The Church plans to limit the open house period to 30 calendar days, not including dedicatory services, through a reservation/ticket system during both the open house period and dedication. The LDS Church and Neighborhood Group will also work together to approach the City of Phoenix about placing a traffic light at Pinnacle Peak Road and 51st Avenue, as well as widening Pinnacle Peak Road as soon as possible.
As a gesture of respect to the neighbors living nearby the temple, the Church has agreed to turn off all lights projecting above the 30 foot roofline of the Phoenix Temple at 10:15 p.m. The parking lot lights shall remain on as needed for the safety of the temple patrons, which is consistent with the existing parking lot lighting at the neighboring meeting house.
In an effort of good faith, the Church has agreed to reduce the spire height one additional foot per the original design. With this change the overall height of the redesigned Phoenix Temple steeple will be 10 feet less than the original temple design and the newly designed spire is narrower and less bulky than the prior design.
Church and Neighborhood Group representatives mutually shared their sincere regret that better relations and communications had not been established. In its efforts to demonstrate the desire and willingness to improve relations and show respect, the Church agreed to make the above referenced concessions to the Neighborhood Group. In return, the Neighborhood Group agreed to no longer pursue a court appeal of the recent Board of Adjustment decision or publicly oppose the temple project. The Neighborhood Group also agreed to use its best efforts to convey to the surrounding neighborhood the intent of the parties to move forward in a friendly and congenial manner.
Both sides expressed appreciation for the sincere efforts made by the other to reach resolution regarding this project. Both sides also acknowledge the desire to repair any damage done from the prior dispute and work towards building a friendly, communicative, and cooperative relationship. Both parties are committed to acknowledging each other’s concerns and responding in a cooperative manner to insure that this area of the valley remains a beautiful and friendly place for all who reside nearby.
This MOU was acknowledged by both the Church and the Neighborhood Group and is signed by corresponding representatives and attorneys.
