South Florida Sun-Sentinel Editorial Board
In the fall of 2005, Rabbi Shmuel Posner tried to open Chabad of Nova outreach center at 8608 Griffin Rd. at Timberlake Plaza. But Cooper City wouldn't permit it, saying places of worship are not allowed in commercial areas.
COOPER CITY, FL — Anyone else?
Cities should not use zoning rules to discriminate against houses of worship. If they do, they will get sued, and lose. Now two Broward cities have learned this, the hard way.
Chabad to receive $325,750 in lawsuit against city
South Florida Sun-Sentinel Editorial Board
In the fall of 2005, Rabbi Shmuel Posner tried to open Chabad of Nova outreach center at 8608 Griffin Rd. at Timberlake Plaza. But Cooper City wouldn’t permit it, saying places of worship are not allowed in commercial areas.
COOPER CITY, FL — Anyone else?
Cities should not use zoning rules to discriminate against houses of worship. If they do, they will get sued, and lose. Now two Broward cities have learned this, the hard way.
This week, a federal jury found that Cooper City discriminated against Chabad of Nova in using zoning laws to run the synagogue out of the city’s business district. Jurors awarded the Orthodox Jewish group more than $300,000.
Just two years ago, Hollywood officials agreed to pay Chabad Lubavitch $2 million to settle a similar discrimination case.
You would think by now the word is out, and the lessons have been learned by other cities. Municipalities have enough worries these days without incurring avoidable litigation.
Dedon Notsach
Yes!
But it seems to be low unless attorneys’ fees were seperate. They shoud have been able to show more damages or punitive damages. 2 million of califonia sounds more like it. I would grab that offer.
for all the mistakers
Not Hollywood California, Hollywood Flordida!