Wisconsin Buddhists Face Opposition to Zoning Approvals

The newest clash before zoning authorities over obtaining permission to build religious facilities is about to take place in rural Caledonia, Wisconsin. Yesterday's Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports on attempts by the Wat Lao Wattanaram Buddhist Temple of Wisconsin to obtain clearance to build a temple, meditation building, fellowship hall, Buddha building and nun facility on a 13 acre site that had been designated for a conservation subdivision and single-family homes. Residents say housing would contribute to the town's tax base, while the religious facility will not. The Buddhists who would use the temple are mainly immigrants from Laos or first-generation Laotian-Americans. They say the land is ideal because of its location.