Church Sale Is Not in Borough's Hands, Says Mayor

Nearly 400 Paramus residents have directed petition letters to the borough council in opposition of a possible sale of church property on Spring Valley Road to a Hindu temple but officials say the situation is not in the borough’s hands at this place in time.

Mayor Richard Larbiera addressed the situation Tuesday night stating, “At this time, there is no application before the borough, council, zoning or planning boards. The petition wants us to stop the purchase and not issue a CO [certificate of occupancy]. I don't think this is our interest unless there is a formal application."

Councilman Ralph Amato stated he would look into the actual status of the sale of the building to confirm if in fact it is being sold.

The petition letter states that the Swaminarayan Hindu Temple plans to purchase the church property located on Spring Valley Road across from the East Brook Middle School and down the street from Paramus High School.

Patch obtained a copy of the petition which states in bold letters “If you do not want a Hindu temple and educational/cultural center across the street then please sign and send in the attached letter of petition immediately.”

The petition also claims that an educational school and cultural center would be proposed “attracting hundreds on a very congested road” to festivals and public assemblies.

In a letter addressed to Patch, Gloria Slaman, a Geranium Court resident, states the Paramus Congregational Church has been up for sale for the past year and a half. She claims the congregation of the church, of which she is a member, had been split in half and the vote to sell the church was only by the majority of one vote.

One half now worships at another church and the other half in a private home, “because we have been locked out of our own church,” Slaman wrote.

“No one is opposed to a Hindu temple but NOT in this busy and congested location,” stated Slaman.  In addition to concerns about traffic, another concern is the response time of emergency services as the Fire Department Company No. 2 is located just down the road which could be affected by the presence of a Hindu temple.

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