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Court Rules Against North Hollywood Chabad House
A lengthy dispute over plans by the Chabad House to build a 12,000-square-foot synagogue in the middle of a Sherman Oaks residential neighborhood continued to generate controversy on Tuesday.
The City Council’s Planning and Land Use Management Committee was advised the courts have overruled the city’s permits for the project – siding with residents who argue the project is too large for the area.
The committee, however, made no recommendation on the next steps, referring the matter to the full City Council for consideration. No hearing date was set.
Chabad House has been continuing work on the site at 13079 Chandler Blvd. at its own risk, Planning Director Michael LoGrande said.
“They are taking a gamble that we won’t force it to be torn down,” LoGrande said.
Chabad House attorney Ben Reznik said the city needs to make a technical correction to its findings allowing the construction.
“This is not too big for the area,” Reznik said. “This is right up against the Orange Line and has terrific landscaping. It will not intrude on the neighborhood.”
However, several members of the West Chandler Boulevard Neighborhood Association said Chabad House took advantage in winning its original approvals from Councilman Jack Weiss in his final days in office.
“It was rammed through and the council didn’t give it the full consideration it deserved,” attorney Noel Weiss said. “What we are talking about is following the rules.”
Tess Jones, another resident, said there are a number of problems with the plans, which now include a rooftop terrace, basketball court and playground.
“The city took the developer at his word and they were disingenuous,” Jones said. “The Chabad representatives have said this is not about growth, but that is exactly what it is.”
Ch Resident
So upsetting and frustrating!!
Hirschel Pekkar
BH. Invite the residents for a farbrengen, and spill some light their way, on what Chassidus is, and what a blessing it emits to all around, and small coins for success.
CH Anon
I would be in agreement if it was in the middle of a neighborhood but looking at google maps, Chabad has a triangular section in between three streets, not between houses.
http://www.laweekly.com/201…
English friend
So sad such problems may the be granted a repreave!
To #3
It’s not even 3 streets, it’s two streets and a railroad track.
Anyway, I remember WA-A-A-AY back when it was still a liquor store! It’s amazing to see what they’ve done. All the best to Rabbi Aron and the community.
Car Okrand
Do you live in the neighborhood? I do. The scope is so out of line with the rest of the area. It is my community too. It sticks out like a sore thumb, is an eyesore and overbuilt for the lot.
MB
it’s sad that these neighbors are our own fellow Yidden.