Friday, August 27, 2010
Yeshiva approval to be conditional
Ramapo's Planning Board was right to ask the Bobover of Monsey congregation to complete some homework before it will approve its site plan for a two-story yeshiva on Route 306.
The site has made headlines repeatedly because of the congregation's wrongful conduct, which has suggested that it can do what it wants whenever it wants. Now, at least, the board has set out stipulations that have to be met by Oct. 19 in order for the board to approve a plan to raze an existing single-family home and replace it with a two-story yeshiva for no more than 200 students.
The Hasidic congregation actually operated an illegal yeshiva at the site for several years. During that time, it was cited for numerous health and safety violations and was forced to close in August 2009.
Among the highlights of past problems were exposed wires, the illegal conversion of a garage for use as classrooms and the lack of a sprinkler system.
In addition, they were cited by the Health Department for operating an unapproved kitchen and for sewage problems.
Outrage reached a peak when a student of kosher butchering slaughtered a calf on the property and left the carcass hanging from a tree. When authorities responded to complaints about that, they found bloody parts of the calf in a classroom. That episode brought a $5,000 fine, which the congregation paid.
Deputy Town Attorney Alan Berman says none of that is relevant to the planning determination. To us, it is indicative of the congregation's past disregard for health and zoning codes.
Against that backdrop, it is wholly proper that the Planning Board is asking that Bobover of Monsey tackle a list of items before it next considers the site plan and a request for a special permit to operate a yeshiva in a residential zone.
Bobover of Monsey needs to resolve fire-safety issues, including the location of a hydrant on the property. It also needs to resolve driveway issues with a neighbor and the state Department of Transportation.
The size of the proposed yeshiva has already been scaled back; it would accommodate 200 students, instead of 250 students, with a maximum building height of 24 feet and no more than 15 classrooms for students ages 7 to 13.
Holding off on a final approval, pending resolutions of those outstanding issues, seems a good way to ensure that, at least at the beginning, the students will be in a safe environment.
http://www.lohud.com/article/20100827/OPINION/8270313/Yeshiva-approval-to-be-conditional
The site has made headlines repeatedly because of the congregation's wrongful conduct, which has suggested that it can do what it wants whenever it wants. Now, at least, the board has set out stipulations that have to be met by Oct. 19 in order for the board to approve a plan to raze an existing single-family home and replace it with a two-story yeshiva for no more than 200 students.
The Hasidic congregation actually operated an illegal yeshiva at the site for several years. During that time, it was cited for numerous health and safety violations and was forced to close in August 2009.
Among the highlights of past problems were exposed wires, the illegal conversion of a garage for use as classrooms and the lack of a sprinkler system.
In addition, they were cited by the Health Department for operating an unapproved kitchen and for sewage problems.
Outrage reached a peak when a student of kosher butchering slaughtered a calf on the property and left the carcass hanging from a tree. When authorities responded to complaints about that, they found bloody parts of the calf in a classroom. That episode brought a $5,000 fine, which the congregation paid.
Deputy Town Attorney Alan Berman says none of that is relevant to the planning determination. To us, it is indicative of the congregation's past disregard for health and zoning codes.
Against that backdrop, it is wholly proper that the Planning Board is asking that Bobover of Monsey tackle a list of items before it next considers the site plan and a request for a special permit to operate a yeshiva in a residential zone.
Bobover of Monsey needs to resolve fire-safety issues, including the location of a hydrant on the property. It also needs to resolve driveway issues with a neighbor and the state Department of Transportation.
The size of the proposed yeshiva has already been scaled back; it would accommodate 200 students, instead of 250 students, with a maximum building height of 24 feet and no more than 15 classrooms for students ages 7 to 13.
Holding off on a final approval, pending resolutions of those outstanding issues, seems a good way to ensure that, at least at the beginning, the students will be in a safe environment.
http://www.lohud.com/article/20100827/OPINION/8270313/Yeshiva-approval-to-be-conditional
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