Bhutanese community group will build at site of former school
The Akron Board of Zoning Appeals voted unanimously Nov. 29 to approve plans from the non-profit group Kirat Community Organization of Ohio to build a 14,000-square foot temple building to “practice, preserve and promote Kirat religion and culture” at 1333 Betana Ave. in the Chapel Hill neighborhood.
The site, formerly home to Bettes Elementary School, will feature a new building for up to 150 people that includes a dining hall, full kitchen and community space. The current playground will remain. Other features include:
- The design and architecture of the building will incorporate elements of the Kirat religion, such as a three-tiered roof.
- The parking lot will be in front of the temple, with space for the future construction of a community center adjacent.
- There will be a stormwater retention pond on the property so as not to overwhelm the sewers.
Two residents spoke, one in favor and one in opposition to the request, and shared concerns about storm-water runoff. Nearby resident Sally Olivera said neighbors support the new temple.
The Kirat people in Akron are Bhutanese refugees, and some of the main objectives of the non-profit group, according to its website are “to practice, preserve, and promote Kirat religion and culture, to communicate and advocate for necessary support and assistance to the Kirat community members.”
