(COLORADO SPRINGS) — A proposed temple for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in northwest Colorado Springs, featuring a 140-foot spire, is at the center of a community debate. The City Council is set to make a decision on the project on Feb. 10.
The proposed temple, located at 2396 Veneto Way in the Northgate area, has been designated for use as a “religious institution” since the property was re-zoned in 2012. The church plans to build a 45,000-square-foot temple with a separate meeting house and maintenance building, marking the fourth temple for the church in Colorado.
The proposal has sparked controversy among residents, with some expressing support and others voicing strong opposition. One community member in support stated, “It’s not too overbearing, it’s not too big. It’s just right.” Conversely, a member opposing the project remarked, “The idea that there’s a huge building with lights on isn’t very attractive to the community.”
Mike Kuhn, an attorney representing neighbors appealing the project, emphasized that the primary concerns are related to the height of the spire and the proposal to illuminate it 24 hours a day. “I want to be clear, we have no objection to having a temple there. Fact, I think it’s a great idea to have a temple there. Our objection primarily concerns the height of the spire,” Kuhn said.
On Dec. 10, the city’s 11-member planning commission voted 7-1 to deny the appeal but did require modifications to the project’s prior approval. Kuhn is appealing this decision, arguing that the temple’s height exceeds city code limits and that its visibility is inconsistent with the nearby residential neighborhood. He stated, “It’s going to be very prominent in the neighborhood. And if you’re going to do that, you need to comply with the code.”…