New York City Temple
The new temple is under renovation and is expected to open in spring 2013. Check
Map & Direction.
Ven. Samu Sunim's New Year's Greetings & Report on Progress
 Sunim surveying the new roof and skylight sites
Dear Dharma friends,
New Year’s greetings from Zen Buddhist Temple!
It has been a year and a half since I ceased from all public activities at temple and had to find a bedroom outside the temple, according to the instructions of the NYC Department of Buildings. Since then there have been two major interruptions.
In late March 2012, our architectural firm HTO Architect dismissed the general contractor after less than three months on the job due to increasing costs. In May, we hired HHO Construction after bidding and credential checks. On June 28, a Department of Buildings inspector came and put up a Stop Work Order on the front of the temple building, citing a violation of working without a permit. This was largely because Citywide Fire Sprinkler pulled a permit that only covered the first three floors, not the fourth or fifth, while doing work on the fifth floor. All this happened while I was in Chicago for retreat and annual meetings.
 A worker installs drywall in the future 5th floor residential space.
We received a new permit on September 20, 2012. The Stop Work Order was finally rescinded on September 24. Work has resumed in full since then. These two interruptions caused delays of about five months for demolition and construction. The cost and loss of time pained me.
Nevertheless, many people volunteered and helped out during this transitional and difficult period. The help and support of Toan Sunim (Jose Castelao), priest of Mexico Temple, Kohye (Jeff Boland), Dharma teacher attached to NYC Temple, and Sanha Jeolrector of Toronto Temple and their sacrifice proved invaluable. Haju Sunim and Ann Arbor Sangha members supplied me with groceries. Kosa (Joe Schuman) Sangha Coordinator, Acala (Jeff LeGro), Noara (Ellen McClure) MBS student, Nachingu (Belinda) and Chrissy together took care of Chicago Temple admirably so as to enable me to concentrate on building NYC Temple.
 Workers connect pipes in the new 4th floor Exhibit and Lecture Hall
Many members and friends of NYC Temple came to help and extended their helping hand. Among them were Stephen Bincarowsky and Douglas Cox, who were always available for hard physical work. Rev. Do’an (Lawrence Grecco) was unfailing for cleaning work, but his No. 1 service was tackling the telephone company successfully to obtain the easy-to-remember landline number 212-888-6262. John Mclaughlin who lives close to temple offered to print e-tickets for my Mega Bus rides and to check on the temple while I was away. Their support lifted my spirit and lightened my burdens.
I am happy to inform you that the general contractor Mr. Ho and his subcontractors have been working steadily to complete the remodeling of our temple. I am satisfied with their efficiency and workmanship. Mr. Ho estimates that they would be able to complete their work by the end of March 2013. I appreciate your long wait and patience. In the meantime, I would be available every day for personal consultation, instruction on meditation, or private interview. Call me at 212-888-6262 daytime and 646-477-6771 in the mornings or evenings, or email me at nyc@zenbuddhisttemple.org. Please leave a message and repeat your telephone number slowly when I am not available. I will return your call promptly.
 A worker cuts drywall for hanging on the 4th floor.
This is my appeal to you all. New York Temple building has been the largest and most difficult project in my life, both physically and financially. I need your help. Your temple will benefit from your generosity. Those who will find Dharma through your generosity will benefit, all those who interact with them will benefit, in an ever-widening circle. Your donation will initiate a cycle of blessings without end. All donations are tax-deductible. No amount of donation will be too small to deserve my deep appreciation.
I wish you a very happy and wonderful New Year! Waiting for spring to welcome you at our new Temple, in peace and gratitude,
Samu Sunim
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