Metro

Qns. Mormon holy war

They’re throwing the book at Mormons.

Queens civic leaders are mounting a campaign to block the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints from building a new house of worship in Flushing to serve a growing Mormon congregation.

The planned two-story structure, proposed for 145-15 33rd Ave., would include an underground parking garage and a steeple. It would replace a cramped church about a dozen blocks away.

The church acquired the three lots in 2008, with eyes on building a new facility. But since then, the city has approved stricter zoning that bars larger structures in the residential area.

Because the proposal runs afoul of the new zoning restrictions, church officials must obtain a city variance from the mayoral-appointed Board of Standards and Appeals to build a larger facility — following input from the local community board and Queens Borough President Helen Marshall.

“This is not a religious issue. It is a size issue. We’re just stopping a big building,” said Tyler Cassell, zoning chairman of Community Board 7, which voted 33-0 to reject the project.

He said granting a waiver to build the church would make a mockery of the new zoning law.

Mormon officials claim the church is entitled to deference and protection in zoning matters under state and federal law.