Goshen, NY - Village Wants Law So Religion Could Join Town Business Zones

Goshen, NY - The law before the Goshen Village Board names no religious group. But it was clear to both sides that packed Village Hall last night: They came to talk about Chabad of Orange County.

In response to Chabad a group of Orthodox Jews, led by Rabbi Meir Borenstein, who violated local zoning laws last year by operating a religious school and prayer center in a business district storefront, the village wants to amend its zoning law to allow religious groups to set roots or expand in downtown business zones.
Village leaders say the change is needed to conform with a 2000 federal law that prevents local zoning from infringing on Americans' right to worship.

But several speakers said last night that they were worried that allowing more religious organizations on Main Street would open the historic village's fragile business district to a wave of nonprofits.