Mormon church opposes plan for futuristic, green communities

Source: Associated Press

Mormon Church Opposes Plan for Futuristic, Green Communities

By brady mccombs, associated press

SALT LAKE CITY — Aug 19, 2016, 5:11 PM ET


The utopic communities envisioned by a wealthy Mormon businessman near religious landmarks in Utah and Vermont would feature small homes clustered around community gardens and focus on walkability to reduce the need for cars.

David Hall's effort to build sustainable communities is years away from reality but took a hit this week when the Mormon church denounced his plans, modeled after church founder Joseph Smith's vision from 1833. Hall is unfazed, vowing to press ahead with the developments that will welcome non-Mormons and urge people to consume less.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Christ of Latter-day Saints has concerns about the communities affecting existing neighborhoods and the longstanding relationships the religion has with those residents, spokesman Eric Hawkins said in a statement. The project is not associated with the church in any way, he said.

"The church makes no judgment about the scientific, environmental or social merits of the proposed developments," Hawkins said. "However, for a variety of reasons, we are not in favor of the proposal."


Read more: http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/mormon-church-opposes-plan-futuristic-green-communities-41523232