NORWALK : Key Challenge to Hindu Temple Plan Dismissed
A Hindu congregation’s plans to build a temple in the city have cleared a legal hurdle.
Superior Court Judge Diane Wayne dismissed a key claim in a lawsuit by James D. Honodel, a resident and former planning commissioner who contended that the City Council’s decision to allow the temple should be overturned because portions of the city’s General Plan are outdated.
Wayne ruled that sections of the plan dealing with noise, safety and traffic in residential neighborhoods are current enough to allow a decision.
A court hearing on the remaining claims, which contend that the city’s traffic study on the temple was flawed, is scheduled for May 4.
Steven H. Kauffmann, an attorney representing Norwalk, says the study was properly performed. Honodel and his attorney, Frank W. Battaile, would not comment.
After years of debate among residents, the congregation and the city over potential parking problems and other issues, the council in September approved a permit for the 322-seat temple at Pioneer Boulevard and Ferina Street. Honodel filed the lawsuit in October.
The council still must approve final construction plans. Natoo Patel, the Hindu congregation’s leader, said the group will wait until the lawsuit is resolved before presenting the plans.
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