Crowd Expected at Zoning Meeting On Vietnamese Buddhist Temple

July 30, 2005

Source: Union-Tribune

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/northcounty/20050730-9999-1mi30budd.html

On July 30, 2005 the Union-Tribune reported, "Plans to build a 22,800-square-foot Buddhist temple on property overlooking the San Luis Rey Downs racetrack, a subject of controversy for some time in this semirural community, is heating up again. Residents who live near the proposed temple are expected to turn out in force Tuesday to voice their concerns about the project, which they say will increase traffic congestion and otherwise affect the character of their community... Last April, the county issued a cease-and-desist order that prohibited the monks from assembling or practicing organized meditation at the site because they had not complied with permit processes regarding the number of people using the center... In June, the nonprofit Buddhist group filed a federal lawsuit against the county, citing a 2000 law that protects religious institutions from discriminatory zoning practices. Two weeks ago, Harron said, a settlement was reached, and the lawsuit should be dismissed soon. Terms of the settlement allow the monks to continue what they're doing as long as they 'expeditiously process their permit and not expand their operations,' Harron said... The Board of Supervisors will decide, probably next year, whether to allow construction of the temple."