LILBURN, Ga. -- The Lilburn neighborhood that fought a proposed Islamic mosque says they have a new fight, an illegal Buddhist temple.

They say a house is illegally being used as a place of worship. Lilburn has ordinances for religious buildings. Neighbors said service has been held at the house three times a week for the past two weeks. They also said the house has been remodeled and a parking lot added.

Saturday, a ceremony was held outside the alleged temple. Nelson Morgan said, "The bells, the chimes and the chanting, call it what you want but it sounded like a service to me."

Monk Thomas said it is simply his house not a temple. He said, "Monks chant at home and meditation at home and some friends can come and meditate too."

Monk Thomas said he did not know the neighborhood's history. In the fall, the neighborhood along Hood Road adamantly opposed a proposed Islamic mosque. The city council eventually voted against it. Angel Alonso led the fight against the mosque, which is around the corner from his house. Ironically, the alleged Buddhist temple is across the street from his property.

Angel Alonso said, "It's hard to swallow. We fought a good fight. We want our residential area. This is a quiet neighborhood and I want to keep it that way."

Monk Thomas said the service outside his home Saturday was a traditional welcome home ceremony. He would like the neighbors to welcome him. He said the neighbors should be more tolerant. And, he said he is going to write a letter to the neighbors describing his religion.

His neighbors have been calling the police department and the zoning department for a couple of weeks. They say their questions about the house have gone unanswered and are planning to address the city council Monday.