The Mormon church is seeking permission to build a two-story chapel in Flushing — nearly double the allowed size.

But a group of Queens residents warn that it flies in the face of current zoning in the mostly residential area and could set a dangerous precedent if approved.

Residents voiced their opposition to Queens Borough President Helen Marshall during a public hearing Thursday.

Marshall will make a recommendation within 30 days to the city Board of Standards and Appeals, which has the final say.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints needs three variances to build a 23,000-square-foot building on church-owned land at 145-15 33rd Ave. A 12,000-square-foot structure is allowed there under current zoning.

The church, which is seeking to replace its Sanford Ave. house of worship, wants to build a steeper driveway than is permitted, allowing about 10 additional underground parking spots. It also needs a variance for a raised deck along the building’s perimeter.

The plan also calls for a 94-foot steeple, which residents say would be one of the tallest structures in northern Queens.

Richard Hedberg, the church’s real estate project manager, said the variances would be mostly invisible to neighbors, a comment that drew sarcastic shouts of “Oh, yeah” and eye rolls from some audience members.

Nearly a dozen residents urged Marshall to reject the plan.

“Oh my God, the incredible bulk is coming,” Flushing resident Jerry Rotondi said as he hoisted a flyer of a large building emblazoned with the letters “OMG.” He described the church’s plan as “intrusive, invasive, disruptive, disrespectful.”

“The implications for our area are something we find, quite frankly, chilling,” said Broadway-Flushing Homeowners Association President Mel Siegel, adding the request is “outrageous.”

Worshippers said their current church does not meet the congregation’s unique needs, which include space for bible study groups divided by age and gender.

Church members also pointed out the building is not compliant with Americans with Disabilities Act standards.

“They in fact are not wants but they are needs for us to be able to worship according to the dictates of our conscience,” said church member Robert DeRosa, who lives with a wheelchair-bound brother.

Church officials said the current spot is inappropriate for a new building.

Community Board 7 rejected the plan at its last meeting.

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/queens/mormon-church-seeks-permission-build-flushing-chapel-larger-permitted-article-1.1016197#ixzz1lTZ8Bz5V



I don't think I have EVER read about a Mormon temple (or in this case, a chapel) being built without them trying to get around the community ordinances with variances and whatnot. And it ALWAYS pisses off the residents of the community, as is evident by the comments shared in the article!

I vote for a mosque.

A pic of the site, and of the immediate surrounding area would be helpful to make a determination of whether or not this is appropriate. I'm glad it's up to the locals, not SL.