Solution Found, Shliach Ready to Build

After an initial setback in building plans, construction on the Chabad Israeli Center in Rockville, Maryland is one step closer to beginning.

Renovations to the house at 216 Rollins Ave. will enable the Chabad to serve its congregation without violating city occupancy and fire codes.

The original approval stated that the second floor of the Chabad Israeli Center not be used, but after building plans showed the Chabad intended to construct bathrooms on that level, it was believed a new approval would be needed before a permit could be issued for construction to begin.

However, with the only use for the second floor being the restrooms, all that was needed was a minor amendment, which was issued last week, said Jim Wasilak of the city’s planning department.

Had there been another use on the second floor, the Chabad building plans would return to the Planning Commission, Wasilak said.

“I’m happy we found a solution, and as I told [city officials], it’s an easy solution,” said Rabbi Schlomo Beitsh, who owns the property.

With the amendment application approved, chabad officials and engineers need to finalize plans for a new water line for the building’s sprinkler system, Beitsh said.

With contractors already hired to perform the renovations, construction can begin as soon as the permits are issued, which could take as little as two weeks, Beitsh said.

Chabad Israeli Center has been under scrutiny by residents who protested loud singing and drumming and heavy traffic before and after services in the residential neighborhood.

Neighbors also complained to the city that the Chabad violated occupancy rules.

In January 2010, Montgomery County District Court Judge Brian Kim ordered the chabad to close after fire and safety plans failed to satisfy the court. After improved drafts were submitted in May of that year, the chabad reopened on a part-time basis for Sabbath services, but closed indefinitely in August after it violated Kim’s order when Beitsh allowed a few girls to stay at the house for a few nights after the rabbi with whom they were staying in Bethesda could no longer care for them.

Since last August, the Chabad Israeli Center has held services at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Washington in Rockville, said Beitsh’s attorney, Steven VanGrack.