Monroeville council tables action on Hindu temple's request

After more than two hours of testimony from Monroeville administrators, residents and representatives from the Sri Shirdi Sai Baba Temple, council voted unanimously to table any action regarding the temples conditional use applications.

Councilman Jim Johns recused himself from the vote.

Monroeville Solicitor Bruce Dice said council must act on the matter within 45 days.

Councilman Rob Harvey made the motion to table to take advantage of the time to analyze the information we received tonight.

The Sri Shirdi Sai Baba Temple has requested conditional use approval to cut and fill nearly 25,000 cubic yards of earth near its current location along Abers Creek Road.

The Hindu temple wants to construct a 13,410 square-foot, two-story building; a 1,466 square-foot addition; and a 264 square-foot connecting wing along with four gazebos. The addition would consist of new worship facilities, an office, meditation areas and a kitchen.

Tom Ayoob, attorney for the temple, stated at the hearing that the municipalitys zoning ordinance allows as a conditional use a church and school, as well as major excavation. He added that the municipalitys planning commission recommended approval with conditions.

Raghu Malyala, secretary for the temple, said the additions would help accommodate our growing congregation as well as host community events and other activities not possible at the current facility.

The temple also is asking to consolidate four plots of land into one, new 36.6-acre parcel.

The municipality cited steep slopes as constraints to development.

Read this article:
Monroeville council tables action on Hindu temple's request