Heber City, Utah (ABC4) – Hearing the case against Wasatch County, including plans for the Temple of the Heber Valley, took place this afternoon. The judge reviews the details and information shared today and says that it will issue a written decision in the near future.
The lawsuit, filed in November 2023, asked the Osach County to ban the church of Jesus Christ of the saints of recent days to build the land of land in the city of Heber due to concerns about pollution of light, blocking the views of the valley for homeowners and increased disturbances.
Judge Jennifer A. Mabi is the appointed judge in the case and began requests for a summary hearing on Monday afternoon. The lawyers discussed fears from the residents who brought the case, the support of the community members and the church’s arguments on the Development Agreement.
Previous Cover: LDS church files to be added as a defendant to the temple case
What happened during the hearing
Robert Mansfield, a lawyer of the residents who brought the case, began, presenting the reason that they had filed the case. Mansfield first explained that the temple, which is over 80,000 square feet and about 210 feet tall, will be built in a residential area.
He claims that “special privileges” were offered by the Wasatch County of the Church when it comes to part of the land dedicated to the construction of the temple. The changes were made by the Wasatch County in the general plan without the correct opening and without meeting the requirements for public comments, according to Mansfield.
“Approval under the threats of lawsuits is not combined with the basic justice. In addition, the actions to use the land do not protect property values; there will be increased traffic, noise, loss of confidentiality, loss of views, pollution of light in the evening,” Mansfield explained.
Previously: LDS church files to be added as a defendant to the temple case
He also explained that there was nothing to demonstrate the project of the temple would protect the value of the property and that the amendments to the Wasatch Regulation violate state legislation. Mansfield requested the court to make a proposal for a summary decision and to deny the proposal from the county.
Jonathan Wooderd, Deputy District Prosecutor for the Osak County, explained that under the District Use, Development and Department Act (the County Distribution Act (Club), Wasatch County was within its rights to allow the temple to be built.
Letters written to Wasatch County by residents were shared with court. Woodard read these public comments in which everyone participated in residents expressing their excitement for a temple and explaining that this would end additional trips and support religious freedom. The closest temple is located in Lindon, Utah, about 30 minutes from the city of Heber, Utah.
Before: Wasatch County hears opinions about the temple of LDS Heber Valley
Woodard said these considerations have gone to the changes to the ordinance that will allow the temple to be built. With Kludia, he claims that the temple will improve “morality, peace, good order, comfort, convenience and aesthetics” of the county.
David Jordan, a lawyer of the church of Jesus Christ of the saints of recent days, claims that the Development Agreement does not violate Kludma or any state or district codes. He also said the public commentary session held in October 2023 meets the requirements for amendments to the regulations and the plan of the county.
Manfield, in response to the arguments shared by Woodard and Jordan, claims that although the county and the church are within their rights to make this development agreement, they are unable to go through the right procedures outlined in the Code of the State Code of the Kludma and Utah before the project started. He again demanded the order to stop development.
Judge Mabi told the court that he would take the time to review the case and issue a written decision in the case.
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Background
During the General Conference on October 3, 2021, the prophet of the church of Jesus Christ of the saints of the last days, Russell M. Nelson, announced that a temple is coming to the area of the Heber Valley. One year later, on October 8, 2022, Nelson was completed innovative and dedication to the site.
In April 2023, Wasatch County changes its light regulations In an attempt to please both the church and the inhabitants. According to the county, they have received letters from residents for and against changes in the regulation for the construction of the temple. The church said these regulations would be in line with industrial standards and they would adhere to a police officer to maintain in the dark sky.
Months later, on October 26, 2023, The residents appeared At a meeting of the Wasatch County Council to express his concerns about the Temple of the Heber Valley. The residents were concerned about the pollution of light to take the dark sky near their homes with the new provisions.
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A group of residents called Save Wasatch Back Dark Skies have led community retreat. On November 29, 2023, a case was filed against the Wasatch County by some residents who participated in this group. They requested the development of the temple to be stopped by the judge.
In January 2024, the Deputy Prosecutor General for the Vasach County filed a request for the rejection of the case, stating that the persons who filed it did not have enough legal support to continue the case. Days later, The church filed to interveneSaying that the county will only protect its own interests, not those of the church.
On April 30, the court decided not to reject the case and resolved the church of Jesus Christ of the saints of the last days to join as an interventorS As these have been submitted numerous revisions, arguments, discussions and reviews of the regulations of the county and plans for the construction of the temple.
To The church church websiteThe current plan listed for the temple says it will be 87 626 square feet high and 210 feet. It will have two attachments, and there will be four rooms for instructions, four sealing rooms and one baptism.
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