Good morning,
Thank you for your steadfast commitment to preserving the Lone Mountain community. As the crucial City Council decision on the temple building approval approaches (currently set for July 17th) it is essential that our voices are heard. We urge you to take a moment to e-mail the city officials and express your opinions and opposition to the LDS temple as it is currently proposed. Your participation can significantly influence the outcome. The church has effectively rallied its members to be vocal - without your support, approval is likely to be granted.
To assist you, we have provided a list of e-mail addresses and a sample letter below, making it easy to reach out to the City Officials. Feel free to use this letter or draft your own.
Thank you again for your dedication and prompt action.
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officeofthemayor@lasvegasnevada.gov; sfloyd@lasvegasnevada.gov; mjanssen@lasvegasnevada.gov; Marcelo.Erosa@ClarkCountyNV.gov; ward1@lasvegasnevada.gov; ward2@lasvegasnevada.gov; ward3@lasvegasnevada.gov; ward4@lasvegasnevada.gov; zoning@ClarkCountyNV.gov; nbrune@lasvegasnevada.gov; gameling@lasvegasnevada.gov; sford@lasvegasnevada.gov; thacker@lasvegasnevada.gov; snewby@lasvegasnevada.gov; districtc@clarkcountynv.gov; elizabeth.volonino@clarkcountynv.gov
Dear City Officials,
I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the proposed construction of a 216-foot temple in our rural residential area. While I understand the importance of community development and respect for religious diversity, I firmly believe that this proposal poses significant challenges that must be carefully considered.
Firstly, the proposed height of the temple would drastically alter the neighborhood skyline, affecting the vistas and aesthetics that residents value dearly. Our community has long enjoyed the natural beauty of Lone Mountain, and allowing such a tall structure would irreversibly compromise this visual treasure. A structure of this size, with a total height akin to a casino, is simply not compatible with a rural neighborhood.
Moreover, the impact on lighting and FAA blinking lights cannot be overlooked. The introduction of bright lights associated with such a structure, regardless of attempts to prevent “light bleed” will disturb the tranquility of our neighborhood, enjoyment of our homes, and have an adverse effect on the well-being of residents and local wildlife.
Additionally, the increased traffic generated by the temple would have significant implications for our unique equestrian community. The additional congestion and noise from the continuous flow of traffic, starting early in the morning and lasting until late at night, would disrupt the peaceful environment that attracts many to our area. It would also raise concerns about the safety of horse riders and their animals. Although the adjacent land is owned by the school system and could potentially lead to school-related traffic, such traffic is typically clustered around specific times of the day and lasts for relatively short periods. This type of traffic schedule is more easily accommodated by an equestrian community.
It’s important to clarify that our concerns about this proposal stem from our desire to maintain the unique character and quality of life in our community rather than a resistance to change or discrimination or bias against any religious group. Unfortunately, the recent approval of Bill 2024-8, which modified zoning regulations in our area and removes height restrictions that a temple would have otherwise faced and opens the door for other buildings of similar scale or houses of worship aiming to compete for skyline visibility.
The significant interest and overwhelming support from thousands of residents who pay taxes and vote in our community, all within a very short timeframe, is noteworthy. These individuals are not affiliated with any single organization, do not possess abundant resources or extensive staff, and faced challenges in communication and outreach. Their dedication is evident in their contributions of time, resources, and finances to protect our neighborhood. This underscores both the importance of preserving this area and the depth of their commitment.
The LDS Church has revised temple designs in many communities to comply with enforced zoning restrictions and address residential concerns. These modifications ensure that the temples harmonize with local architectural standards and community aesthetics, fostering better relationships with neighboring residents. It is not unreasonable or out of scope to expect revisions for the Lone Mountain proposal. By adapting their plans, the LDS Church would demonstrate a commitment to collaboration and respect for the unique needs and preferences of our community.
In closing, I kindly request city officials to thoroughly evaluate the lasting impact of this proposal on our neighborhood. We firmly believe there’s potential to reach a solution that upholds both religious freedom and the cherished character of our community. It is our hope that we can reach an understand that can benefit us all, as our neighborhood would prefer to not be the city’s next Badlands.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. I am hopeful that together we can find a solution that benefits all residents and maintains the unique charm of our neighborhood.
Sincerely,