March 20, 2008

Stuart Lieberman Hired to Oppose a Temple Proposed in Franklin Township

THE HOME NEWS TRIBUNE
ON-LINE EDITION

FRANKLIN — A group of township residents has hired an attorney in its fight against the proposed construction of a temple.The group, known as Cortelyous Lane Historical Preservation Society, is opposing an application submitted by Jalaram Seva Samaj, of North America, Nev. The application proposes a temple on a 6-acre tract of land known as the Kamlesh Desai Farm.The group has hired Lieberman Blecher & Sinkevich to represent them. According to a news release submitted by attorney Stuart Lieberman, the group believes the temple “does not belong in such a small area” and is concerned about environmental effects. The proposed development is near Six Mile Run Reservoir.Lieberman said the group also is concerned about the suitability of the site for a septic system and drinking well, which the application states is needed to develop the property.”This project is too big for the property,” Lieberman said. “It doesn’t fit, and we believe it carries with it a severe environmental impacts. Furthermore, this entire community has historic significance, and the temple does not fit in that regard, either.”