Hindu Temple seeks expansion approval from White Plains

The Hindu Temple of the Tri-State is looking to move ahead with a plan that would add space to its relatively new temple at 390 North St. in White Plains.

According to William Null of the White Plains-based law firm Cuddy & Feder, the original project was proposed as a two-story temple and was approved by the White Plains Common Council on April 7, 2014.

“Due to funding limitations the project was amended in November of 2015 to reflect a smaller, single-story building to house just the sanctuary and limited support spaces,” Null said. “The Temple completed construction of the smaller building in November of 2023. This work included storm water mitigation, at grade parking, a larger than required foundation pad and general site improvements to accommodate the intended larger two-story concept.”

According to Null, Hindu Temple of the Tri-State now wants to move ahead with the original two-story design program. The additional construction would include extending the building to the east over existing impervious area to provide access stairs and an elevator to the new second story.

“The sanctuary space is proposed to move from the first floor to the second floor but it will be no larger than the existing sanctuary space,” Null said.

The 1.75-acre property is in an R1-30 residential zone where places of worship are permitted uses.

Null described Hinduism as being is one of the world’s oldest religions going back to prehistoric times.

“In its broadest concept, it tolerates various forms of worship suitable to each individual’s circumstance. It is not mandatory to visit the Temple on a regular basis,” Null said. “Most Hindu homes have a small shrine or puja room at home for daily prayers. Hindus are more likely to visit the Temple in large numbers during religious festivals. It is anticipated that larger attendance will occur only during high holidays, which most likely will be celebrated by the congregation on weekends.”

Null said that the Temple will accommodate around 400 people during the high holy days, with no more than 100 people attending regularly. He said that required parking would average 30 spaces on a daily basis with slightly more needed on the weekends. He said the necessary parking already has been constructed.