Religious sect asks Obama to mediate

After three years of hearings on their plans to build a seminary in Old Bridge, members of an Indian religious sect recently sought public support.

"We humbly ask you to intercede on our behalf in securing justice," Prem Gupta wrote in an open letter to President Obama.

The letter, from the Dayalbagh Radhasoami Satsang Association of North America, appeared in full-page ads in two newspapers.

Along with claims that the zoning board has dragged out the application process, members of the Indian sect say they have been subjected to numerous racial and discriminatory remarks during the public comment portion of the hearings. They did not cite examples.

The group received a quick response: Old Bridge Mayor James Phillips met with Gupta last week and insisted the lengthy process had nothing to do with religion, but rather with location. Phillips also said the board has no control over comments from the public during these meetings.

The association's land is near Raceway Park and an adjacent airport, an area Phillips calls "one of the noisiest places on earth."

Zoning board members are considering a plan for a seminary with 16 housing units to be used by people studying at and maintaining the center.

Board members are "concerned about location of high-density housing in close proximity to a race park," Phillips said.

Houses of worship are permitted in the zone, but a variance is needed for the housing.

Association members, Gupta said, know about the race park noise, having heard the cars and motorcycles and other vehicles during the past three summers.

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