Southampton, L.I., NY - Trouble For Shuls With Zoning Regulations

Southampton, L.I., NY - the ZBA has been conducting hearings since 2004 on an application by the small Shul at 214 Hill Street (one of three small home-based synagogues in the vicinity facing community opposition and zoning struggles) for a special-use permit.

The house is outside the village's business district, where Village code is more stringent for religious institutions than private homes, requiring more off-street parking and greater setbacks from yards.

Fearing noise, traffic and parking problems on weekends, a half-dozen neighbors on Hill Street hired a law firm to represent a claim that the Shul house fails to meet provisions of the code.
Last fall, the Shul withdrew its application, and some members since have purchased a property behind the building to give it more land to help meet village requirements.

Privately, village officials say the matter is likely to end up in court - no matter what the ZBA decides.