The dispute started in March 2024 when the Church proposed a 44,000 square-foot, multi-story temple with a spire that would stand at 174 feet. The project, dubbed the McKinney Texas Temple, caught the eye of Fairview neighbors, who raised concerns over the size and height of the project. The spire on the original proposal would have made it the tallest structure in town.
That dispute led to a packed house at Fairview Town Council on Aug. 7, 2024, with hundreds voicing their support and opposition toward the project. When the Town Council unanimously voted to deny the Church's permit, the Church took the issue to court.
The Church's Tuesday submission was for a smaller temple, which was agreed upon by the Town of Fairview during mediation in November. Now, the structure will cover around 30,000 square feet with a 120-foot tower in the center of the property.
The Church told WFAA in January that they were prepared to file a new application for the smaller temple with the Town Council but wanted town leaders to "provide reassurance" it would be approved.
The Church appears to have gotten that assurance from Mayor Henry Lessner. According to the Church's statement, he "expressed his support and belief that the Town Council will stand by its word" and approve the application.
The Church released the following statement after filing the application:
"In building sacred temples, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints always seeks to cooperate with communities while exercising its fundamental rights of worship. After the Town of Fairview rejected the Church’s first application, the Church and the Town reached a mediated agreement for a smaller temple. The Town Council unanimously endorsed the agreement, but the mayor later called for more concessions. Recently, the mayor has again expressed his support and belief that the Town Council will stand by its word. The Church is grateful for this assurance and today has filed a new application consistent with the agreement. We look forward to continuing our association with the community as good neighbors and friends."
