GoSikh.com is holding a turban sale from July 26-30th with all proceeds to benefit Austin Gurdwara which is embroiled in a legal battle with neighbors over "Structure Restrictions".
A texas court has apparently ordered demolition of a$150.000 Gurdwara structure after neighbors John and Leslie Bollier contested an earlier decision having to do with use and structure restrictions. Austin Sangat plans to appeal the decision.
An analysis of legal proceedings reads:
"That as the Bolliers challenge only the Structure Restriction, our opinion does not address the Use Restriction. Accordingly, our holding should not be construed to bar or in any other way affect the continued holding of services on the AGS lot in the existing Mobile Home Temple."
It seems the judge has not ordered religious services to cease on the property, but granted a request to neighbors that the building be torn down because it does not comply with use restrictions of residential zoning, based on the fact is it has no bedroom. Building code defines a bedroom (at least in California) is a 9x9 room with a closet and smoke alarm. Austin sangat is planning protests rally's and fundraisers in hopes of keeping the structure intact. I can't help but wonder if adding a closet to existing rooms might satisfy the use restriction, negate the argument, and save the structure.
This is not the first time Guri Singh, owner of the Go Sikh Online Turban Shop, has sold turbans for charitable purposes. He donated all proceeds of similar fundraiser to 2010 Haiti Earthquake victims.
I thought that this was a most disturbing article. I cannot believe that any court would overturn the ruling. I, too, wonder if adding a room or turning an exsisting room into a “bedroom” would do the trick? It would satisfy the legal definition.
I drive 100 miles to Gurdwara, and I am so thankful that there is a Gurdwara even that close to where I live. I don’t know what I would do if something like that happened to ours…except fight like a lioness!!!
All Sikhs must stand up and say “no” to this.
Go Sikh is great, and I have ordered from them. Support them and help support this extremely worthy cause!
this is sad…ihave a feeling that the gurudawra will be fine but its the hate from these gora’s that is troubling me..what could they have agaisnt it..??