Hollywood, FL - City Seeks Extension To Review Settlement With Synagogue

Hollywood, FL - Lawyers for the city of Hollywood are expected to ask a federal judge for more time to review a settlement with a synagogue.

A five-year battle between the city and Hollywood Community Synagogue seemingly ended last week when attorneys for both sides announced that an agreement had been reached over where the Jewish community can worship. Now, the congregation wants time to consider the offer.

Under the terms of the settlement, the city agreed to give the synagogue $2 million. The synagogue would also be allowed to stay and would not be required to apply for a special permit that allows religious groups to operate in a residential zone. The city must also comply with the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act of 2000, which prohibits governments from making land use and zoning decisions that discriminate against religious groups.

City commissioners had sided with area homeowners who complained about noise, garbage, traffic and parking problems, but the U.S. Justice Department intervened when the synagogue threatened to sue.

The settlement must still be approved.