LDS proposed temple debate takes center stage at Las Vegas City Hall

Julia Romero
·2 min read
21

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) – Hundreds packed Las Vegas City Hall on Tuesday evening before a vote on a proposed temple for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the northwest valley.

Public comment continued late into the evening as the meeting entered its sixth hour on Tuesday.

Divided Las Vegas neighborhood meets virtually on LDS temple proposal

LDS church representatives said they are building a holy structure that can’t be changed in design due to religious symbolism. However, the community said the proposal doesn’t abide by a local agreement and numerous bylaws. The agenda item was still underway at 10 p.m. as Las Vegas commissioners were hearing both sides.

The main debate centered around the interpretation of a land agreement that would stop the project. A recent staff report disputing the community’s contentions siding with the LDS church’s application.

Northwest Las Vegas neighbors say LDS temple would ‘stick out like sore thumb’

When initially announced in October of 2022 by the church, the Lone Mountain Temple was expected to be constructed in the northwest Las Vegas valley on a 19.8-acre site southwest of Hickman Avenue, between North Grand Canyon Drive and Tee Pee Lane which is near Alexander Road. Plans include the site to be a three-story temple of approximately 87,000 square feet, according to the LDS church.

Tonight 8 News Now heard from both sides of the debate and planning commissioners.

“We are in opposition to a Taj Mahal-style temple being plopped right in the middle of our rural neighborhood. We are talking about livestock, horses, kids walking up and down the street, hardly any traffic at all,” Brinton Marsden told 8 News Now before the meeting.

“The temple is considered the House of the Lord, and to be able to have that so close to us up on our side of town. I live within 10 minutes of the proposed site. It’s such a wonderful gift and blessing to our area. The grounds are supremely well kept, they are very meticulous,” Lindsay Nielsen said.

City of Las Vegas Planning Commissioner Jeff Rogan omitted himself from the vote, due to conflicts of interest having to do with a consultation company.

Once the meeting concludes the planning commission will vote to determine whether they recommend the site for the city council’s vote at a later date.

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