Monks sue Virginia Beach over permit denial

VIRGINIA BEACH – Va. Beach City Council Tuesday night August 26,2008 consider a request by Buddhist monks for a two-year extension to find a new home.

Neighbors complain the temple in Pungo is causing too many problems.

It’s not the religion or its practices but the number of people who show up for Sunday services.

Last week, the Va. Beach Planning Commission denied an extension of the monks’ temporary permit to hold services at the West Neck Road facility. That building sits in a zoned residential neighborhood.

Now, in this tough housing market, the monks are finding it hard to sell the building and buy another one.

They’ve asked for a two-year extension until the economy gets better.

 

Monks sue Va. Beach over permit denial

 Buddhist monks who were denied a permit to hold services in their home are suing the city of Virginia Beach.

The Buddhist Education Center of America Inc. claims the city violated its religious rights as well as a federal law aimed at protecting faith organizations' land-use rights.

The City Council last month voted 8-2 to deny the monks a two-year permit extension, forcing them to stop holding Sunday services at their home. Five monks live on the property.

Some neighbors had complained that the services drew too much traffic for a primarily residential area. But John Stepanovich, a lawyer for the monks, said the services don't attract any more people than a Sunday afternoon football party