Reno neighborhood opposes Mormon temple

Sylvia Schaerer said she and other homeowners paid as much as $40,000 extra for the city and Sierra views when buying their homes near Northgate Golf Course.

"We loved the lot and we loved the view; we were promised this view," she said. "If we had known that this was going to be built, we would not have bought."

But a Reno Mormon church official said the temple would not obstruct views and is a better alternative to the property's multifamily zoning.

"The temple would be 500 feet away from the nearest home," said the official, who asked not to be identified.

"Once they see what it does for the neighborhood, they will come to appreciate its enhancement to the community."

The 10,000-square-foot temple would feature a 75-foot lighted spire with a golden angel statue on top.

Local Mormons now must attend weddings and other important church rites at the temple in Oakland, Calif., 200 miles away. The only Nevada temple is in Las Vegas.

About 20 residents discussed the project at a meeting Saturday and plan to protest it at a Thursday night meeting of a neighborhood advisory board.

"It's not an objection to the temple," said homeowner Larry Nelson. "It's an objection to building something that will obstruct the view."

Other homeowners in the 182-home subdivision said they were angry at sales representatives for telling them the land would not be developed.

Homes in the subdivision sell for $222,000 and up.

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