Proposed Mormon temple worries residents

June Casagrande

NEWPORT BEACH -- Neighbors of a proposed Mormon temple say they’re

wary about the project, but most are waiting for a chance to meet with

planners before making any snap judgments.

“This is absolutely one of our most important issues right now,” said

Steven Brombal, president of the Bonita Canyon Homeowners Assn. “There

certainly is some very grave concern from some homeowners. Some are

uneducated about it, and others seem fine with it.”

Brombal said his organization was awaiting details about the project

from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Then, he said,

residents of the 287 homes represented by the association would meet to

take a position on the proposed 17,500-square-foot house of worship

slated to be built at the intersection of Bonita Canyon Drive and Prairie

Road. Plans for the facility, which would be the first Mormon temple in

Orange County, include a 91-foot steeple topped by a lighted statue of

the angel Moroni.

“That steeple could draw the most concern,” said City Councilman John

Heffernan, who met with temple planners last week to discuss the project.

Heffernan noted that the height limit for buildings in the area is 50

feet but that the city can opt to override the height rule.

Residents of the port streets have varied concerns, Brombal said. Some

are worried that the light-colored temple won’t fit into Bonita Canyon

aesthetics. Others are worried about traffic and parking effects of the

project.

Though the temple will serve 44,100 members, church officials

emphasize that it will not hold more than 150 people at any one time,

which they say will eliminate any potential parking or traffic problems.

The church announced plans to build the temple in April, and last

month took its first major step forward by filing plans with the city.

The site would include 5 1/2 acres of public gardens with walkways and

reflecting pools -- all surrounding the 35-foot-tall, light-colored

granite building.

Church representatives have been meeting with city officials,

residents and other churches from Newport Beach and Irvine.

“When people see what we’re actually doing, in graphic form, they’re

relieved, pleased and I believe impressed with the neighborhood

enhancement,” church representative Joe Bentley said.

The church has owned the 8 1/2-acre site at 2150 Bonita Canyon Drive

since 1992, when it also acquired the land for the 28,500-square-foot

worship place adjacent to the proposed temple.

The Mormon faith requires some ceremonies and ordinances to be

performed in temples. Orange County church members must now drive to

temples in San Diego or Los Angeles for these rites.

* June Casagrande covers Newport Beach. She may be reached at (949)

574-4232 or by e-mail at o7 june.casagrande@latimes.comf7 .