Proposed Mormon temple in north Phoenix debated

Mormon Church officials said Monday they want to work with a north Phoenix neighborhood, who turned in more than 16,000 signatures last week asking that voters decide the height of a temple.

Some residents are opposing the temple at 5104 W. Pinnacle Peak Road, saying the structure is not a good fit with the neighborhood. They are seeking to overturn the City Council decision allowing the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to build a temple 10 feet higher than zoning allows.

City officials have said the coalition needs 9,800 signatures from registered Phoenix voters to qualify for a referendum. If there are enough valid signatures, the council will have to reconsider the matter. If the council reaffirms it original decision, the issue would go before voters in the general election in September 2011. The council also could call a special election in September.

Church officials said the petition won't change their plans to build the temple at the site.

"We will continue to work on 'bridge building' with neighbors and others concerned about the planned Phoenix temple," said Len Greer, a spokesman for the Mormon Church in Phoenix. "We hope to work towards a satisfactory resolution with all concerned."

Zoning attorney Paul Gilbert, who has worked on the temple project, also believes the church can work with the neighbors.

"We want to show the neighbors that we can be a good neighbor," Gilbert said.

Scott Anderson, chairman of the Phoenix Property Rights Coalition, said the coalition plans to contact the church this week.