Scarsdale Synagogue's Plan Has Some Neighbors Worried

Scarsdale - A synagogue's plans to triple in size has prompted resistance from neighbors who oppose the removal of trees to make way for new parking lots and a 15,000-square-foot building.

But while those concerns have been logged - and another public hearing April 26 will continue to address them - recent changes in federal laws governing land use for religious purposes have made the village's Planning Board feel a bit limited in its power to impose too many restrictions on the congregation.

The Shuel Shaarei Tikvah seeks approval from the Planning Board to construct a one-story structure on more than 4 acres that will include a sanctuary, social hall, classrooms and offices. The congregation of about 230 families currently meets in a former Christian Science Church on Fox Meadow Road on that property.
"The size is so much larger than what they currently need. Where are they going to park?" said Tom Mann of Pattington Road, whose backyard adjoins the synagogue's property. Mann, who has lived in his home since 1995, claims the lights from the synagogue's parking lot spill through his bedroom window, and he opposes the synagogue's plans to remove old pine trees.
Others have said the potential noise created by nighttime bar mitzvah parties in the social hall would add to the existing congestion.

The village planner, said the five-member board and its lawyers are particularly cautious with religious institutions, citing a federal judge's ruling in March on a case involving the village of Mamaroneck and the Westchester Day School.

Shaarei Tikvah's Rabbi David Fine said the congregation is willing to work with the community and intends to change its original plan to address residents' concerns.