Panel paves way for new Mormon temple in Gilbert

The Gilbert Planning Commission got its first look Wednesday at a temple The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints plans for the southeast corner of Pecos and Greenfield roads as it approved a series of zoning changes to pave the way for its construction.Paul Gilbert, an attorney representing the church as it goes through the town approval process for the temple, unveiled artistic renderings of the building to show why he is requesting several exceptions to Gilbert codes.The building will be square and tiered, according to the rendering, with a tall, thick steeple resembling the Washington Monument. Flanking the temple on either side will be two round heavily landscaped areas, similar to the LDS temple in Mesa.