The Virginian-Pilot
©
VIRGINIA BEACH
The city will allow Buddhist monks to resume worship services at a home in the Pungo area.
The agreement is in effect until a federal court rules on a lawsuit filed by the monks. They say the city is violating their religious freedom and also the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act, which prohibits localities from adopting zoning that "imposes a substantial burden" on the practice of religion.
"This makes a lot of people very happy," said Samantha Niezgoda, who attends services at the temple and is a plaintiff in the suit filed by the Buddhist Education Center of America Inc.
In August, the City Council declined to extend an agreement that allowed worship services at the home shared by five monks on West Neck Road, saying such use isn't allowed under the land's agricultural zoning. Neighbors had complained about traffic.
Mark Stiles, a deputy city attorney, said letting the Buddhists have services doesn't change the city's stance against the house being used for services.
"We thought it was just appropriate to agree to maintain the status quo until the court can decide the case on its merits," Stiles said.
The monks will operate the temple under conditions. They include only one service per week, on Sundays, attended by not more than 20 people, with three larger celebrations allowed each year.
"While this case moves through the system, my clients are able to resume their religious practice," said John Stepanovich, attorney for the Buddhist Education Center.
He added: "There are more people at a Saturday afternoon football party than at their services."
Stepanovich estimated that the lawsuit will be heard in federal court in about a year.
John Warren, (757) 222-5114, john.warren@pilotonline.com
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mp,
don't be surprised if you never get any proof from Ira, outside of his insistence. He sometimes has a tendency to see things not there. He accused me of using race, in my comments on the Ryan Frederick case, even though I never mentioned the race of anyone involved in that case or the case to which it was compared, in my comments. He also has questioned other's veracity, even when they are commenting on their personal experiences, of which he has no knowledge. By the way Ira. I still await your apologies.
Ira
Any actual information on this commercial building they've tried to build? I can't seem to find anything on it, except for your comments on the last 3 articles about the monks. If you have pertinent information on this, please share, but show some proof. The articles have only said that the problem deals with zoning laws, traffic complaints, and the "expectations of the residents." Don't accuse people of "ignoring the obvious impact" when this commercial building you keep speaking of has never been mentioned in any of the articles about this situation. I'm not accusing you of lying about them trying to construct said building, maybe they really have tried. But if that was the real issue here, why would it never be mentioned in the articles?
20 people only at ALL churches in Pungo!!
My Dearest City of Virginia Beach!
Getting mighty wimpy with your Communism aren't you? Why not act more powerful like the Soviet Union and bring tanks and missiles to combat the Monks properly.
Why not impose the 20 person limit on All Churches you big whiny chicken.
Ok then
If the taxes are paid on a residential proeprty, then it is a residential property. No one wants to kick them out. Why do I have to read the article for you? According to the supproters logic I should be able to erect a commercial building next door to anyone in a residential zone. A big metal one to be exact. Why do you all ignore the obvious impact here? Is it because it does not affect you personally?
Let me get this straight...
This is a residence, and therefore taxes are being paid to the City in relationship to the value of the property. Is that right?
So the City wants to kick them out of their residence because they hold religious services?
But yet, the Monks have paid the taxes and if it were a "church" the City wouldn't be collecting taxes!
Something to think about
GREAT!....
....Budda and I are both smiling!....Namaste'
I've just found the Temple's website
I'm so excited to know that the temple is allowed to do the services again. I've just found out there is a Temple's website I'd like to introduce to you guys. If anyone would like to vist please go on : www.buddhistedu.org
I found somethings very intersting there. There are beautiful pictures and articles.
Have fun everyone!
Good luck Momks.
Justice restored for now
I feel deeply in my heart that none of this would have been an issue if this was a Christian or other "approved" mainstream religion. As far as the neighbors complaining that this doesn't "fit" in with the neighborhood, well bear in mind this is rural Virginia Beach. People live in rural areas because they don't want neighbors and associations up their butt micro-managing every little thing they do. The folks that "disapprove" need to be honest with what their "real" issues about this are. We need some Buddhism around here, it might be a less condemning, elitist, hypercritical place to live.
The good news is...
The good news is that they are Buddhists. If the concept of karma is correct, then they will have to deal w/ their own deception. Why does the paper not report on their attempt to add a commercial building to this location? Folks, you are seeing a new source purposely ignore the facts surrounding this issue to sell papers.
Monks
I'll bet the gutless city council would not have caved in if the people were CHRISTIANS. They would have hounded them to the ends of the earth. Now they and the lawyers will say, "well, the city council gave an inch, now we want a mile." The people living there and complaining, watch your neighborhood go to the "monks."