Roosevelt, NJ - Board Reviews Yeshiva's Use of Single-Family Home

Roosevelt, NJ - A Planning Board hearing regarding the local yeshiva's use of a North Rochdale Avenue residence began.

Prior to resigning from his position as the borough's zoning officer, Robert Francis had issued a violation to Paul Brottman, the owner of 53 N. Rochdale Ave. Francis said the current living situation in the home, which is located in a zone for single-family residences, does not constitute a single-family use.

Rabbi Yisroel Eisenberg, of Yeshiva Me'on Hatorah, is currently leasing the North Rochdale residence from Brottman. The yeshiva - an Orthodox high school for boys that operates out of the Homestead Lane synagogue, Congregation Anshei Roosevelt - is appealing Francis' decision. The yeshiva's lawyer, Edward J. Liston, is also representing Brottman in the hearing.

Planning Board Chairman Ralph Seligman was not present on Sept. 26, and Vice Chairwoman Jane Rothfuss therefore presided over the hearing. For various reasons, board members Michael Ticktin, Steve Yeger, Councilman Michael Hamilton and Mayor Elsbeth "Beth" Battel all recused themselves from the hearing.
Planning Board Attorney Michelle Donato said that the question before the board is whether or not the use of the North Rochdale residence constitutes a single-family use. "This is a difficult question," she said, "because court cases have expanded the horizon as to what constitutes a family - and they've done it over the years."