FAIRVIEW, Texas — A dispute over the construction of a proposed temple in Fairview has escalated, with leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) urging town officials to uphold an agreement made during mediation. However, local authorities argue that the church has not fulfilled its commitments, further complicating an already contentious issue.
Background on the Temple Project
Initially announced for Prosper, Texas, in 2022, the McKinney Texas Temple was later relocated to Fairview. Despite the relocation, progress has been stalled as town officials and church leaders continue to disagree on key aspects of the project.
Local authorities have raised concerns about the temple’s height and nighttime illumination, arguing that it would be the tallest structure in the area and could interfere with Fairview’s dark sky ordinance, which aims to minimize light pollution for migrating birds. To address these concerns, both parties entered mediation in November 2023 and reached an agreement, which included a significant height reduction of more than 50 feet, making it a single-story structure.
Ongoing Conflict Over Agreement Implementation
While the mediation process resulted in concessions from both sides, the agreement was non-binding and subject to further review by Fairview’s Planning and Zoning Board before reaching the town council for final approval. A town newsletter released in January warned that the revised temple design might still face rejection, potentially leading to legal action by the LDS Church.
“If the revised plan is not accepted, the likelihood of a lawsuit increases, which could have severe financial repercussions for the town,” the newsletter stated. The document also noted that many residents expressed support for allowing the matter to proceed to court.
LDS Church Leaders Urge Town to Honor Agreement
On March 17, LDS Church representatives sent a letter to Fairview officials, expressing concerns that town leaders were backing away from the mediation agreement. The letter emphasized the importance of honoring commitments and hinted at possible legal action if town officials did not reaffirm their support.
“We are troubled by indications that the town council may be distancing itself from the terms agreed upon in mediation,” the letter read. “We engaged in the mediation process in good faith, seeking a resolution that would be beneficial for all involved. Our hope remains that this agreement will be upheld.”
The church further urged Fairview officials to confirm their commitment to the agreement, stating that doing so would eliminate the need for judicial intervention.
Fairview Mayor Rejects Accusations, Calls for Direct Dialogue
Fairview Mayor Henry Lessner refuted the LDS Church’s claims, stating that the town had adhered to the mediation terms while the church had not. According to Lessner, the church was expected to submit official documentation for the revised temple design by January 13 but instead issued a legal notice.
“The town has fulfilled its obligations stemming from the November mediation. The church, however, has not,” Lessner stated. He also noted that town officials had deliberately refrained from responding to the church’s letter to prevent any appearance of bias.
In an effort to foster direct communication, Lessner has repeatedly requested a meeting with LDS Church decision-makers, rather than attorneys.
“As the highest elected official in Fairview, I have yet to meet with any decision-makers from the LDS Church after more than a year,” he said. “All interactions have been handled through legal representatives. I remain open to meeting with church leadership, even if it requires traveling to Salt Lake City.”
What Comes Next?
The Fairview town council is scheduled to convene next week to discuss the dispute and determine the next steps. With tensions running high and legal threats looming, the resolution of this issue remains uncertain .
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