FAIRVIEW, Texas – A dispute between The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) and town officials in Fairview, Texas, has escalated over the construction of the proposed McKinney Texas Temple. Local church representatives recently sent a letter to Fairview’s mayor, urging the town council to honor the terms of a previously negotiated agreement. However, the mayor has refuted the church’s claims, asserting that Fairview has fulfilled its obligations while the church has not.
Background of the Temple Controversy
Initially planned for Prosper, Texas, the McKinney Texas Temple project was later moved to Fairview in 2023. Since then, construction has been delayed due to concerns raised by town officials and residents. The primary issues include the temple’s proposed height and the nighttime illumination it would produce. Fairview authorities have expressed particular concern over the structure exceeding the town’s typical building height and its location in a residential area. Additionally, the town’s dark sky ordinance aims to minimize artificial light pollution to protect migratory bird pathways, making the temple’s planned lighting system a sticking point.
In November, the church and town officials engaged in mediation, reaching a tentative agreement that required adjustments to the original design. One major concession made by the church was a significant height reduction of more than 50 feet, limiting the building to a single story. However, this mediated agreement was non-binding and required further approval through Fairview’s Planning and Zoning Board before advancing to the town council.
Concerns Over the Agreement’s Future
In a January newsletter, town officials acknowledged that there was a strong possibility that the agreed-upon temple design might not gain approval. The newsletter also indicated that some residents favored allowing the matter to proceed to court, potentially leading to a legal battle with the LDS Church.
“If the town rejects the proposed design, it could increase the likelihood of a lawsuit from the LDS Church and the financial risks associated with a legal dispute,” the newsletter stated. “Many residents seem to believe that litigation is inevitable.”
Church Leaders Express Frustration
On March 17, LDS leaders delivered a formal letter to Fairview’s mayor, expressing concerns that town officials were not upholding the terms established in mediation. The letter urged local leaders to reaffirm their commitment to the agreement, warning that failure to do so could jeopardize the church’s religious rights.
“We entered mediation with the hope of reaching a solution that was fair and beneficial for all parties involved,” the letter stated. “We are now concerned that commitments made during this process are being set aside.”
The church’s letter also hinted at potential legal action, stating that if the town fails to honor the mediated agreement, judicial intervention may be necessary.
Mayor Responds to LDS Leadership
Fairview Mayor Henry Lessner responded to the church’s claims by asserting that the town has upheld its obligations, while the church has failed to meet its deadlines.
“The Town has complied with the commitments established during mediation,” Lessner said. “The church, on the other hand, was required to submit documentation related to the revised building design by January 13, but instead, they chose to send a notice of a potential lawsuit.”
Lessner also expressed frustration over the church’s lack of direct engagement with town leadership, stating that he has repeatedly requested to meet with decision-makers from the LDS Church rather than its attorneys.
“After over a year, I have yet to meet anyone from the LDS Church who has real decision-making authority. All our interactions have been with lawyers,” Lessner said, adding that he remains open to an in-person meeting with church officials, even offering to travel to Salt Lake City.
What Comes Next?
The Fairview town council is set to convene early next week to discuss the ongoing dispute. Whether the mediated agreement will move forward or be rejected remains uncertain, and the looming possibility of legal action continues to cast a shadow over the future of the McKinney Texas Temple project .
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