Roosevelt�s Planning Board disagrees with its former zoning officer�s decision that the local yeshiva is not violating borough ordinances.

In response to a September 2005 petition that was signed by more than 200 Roosevelt residents – which alleged that the yeshiva, an Orthodox Jewish high school operating out of the Homestead Lane synagogue, is violating borough ordinances – the Borough Council sent Zoning Officer Bob Francis to inspect the yeshiva on Sept. 23. Francis has since resigned as the borough�s zoning officer.

Last October, Francis reported that he did not find the yeshiva to be in violation of any ordinances. When he looked at the school, he said, it had 12 students. He also reported that there was no residential use of the synagogue and that the house next door, or the parsonage, was being used by the yeshiva as an office.

In his report, Francis concluded that since the yeshiva is a religious institution, �it is allowed to have religious instruction.???

He based his conclusion on a letter from Borough Attorney Ira Karasick. In the letter, Karasick stated that �the rights of a private school are the same as a public school, a permitted principal use in the R-40 zone, and therefore the community and board cannot deny them to conduct a yeshiva.???

Roosevelt resident Bert Ellentuck, who lives next door to the yeshiva, appealed Francis� decision with the borough�s Planning Board. The hearing on the appeal began on Dec. 15, but did not conclude until last week when, on Sept. 12, the board voted to overturn Francis� decision. Board member Lou Esakoff was the only member to vote against overturning the zoning officer�s decision.

Josh Pruzansky, executive vice president of the yeshiva, said the yeshiva is disappointed with the board�s decision.

�We are obviously disappointed,??? Pruzansky said, �and it stems from the fact that the zoning officer in consultation with the borough attorney found no issue with the yeshiva.???

When asked what the yeshiva plans to do regarding the decision, Pruzansky said, �There is nothing we can do until the resolution is passed and memorialized.???

When asked if the yeshiva would appeal the decision, Pruzansky said it is currently exploring all options.

�Together with our council we will make a decision,??? he said.

Shapiro also expressed disappointment in the board�s decision. She said the congregation�s board of trustees �basically feels that the original decision was a sound [one] based on existing zoning ordinances.???

Shapiro invited members of the community to participate in the services.

The congregation�s focus, she said, will remain to �have a viable synagogue in the town of Roosevelt with services held year-round.???

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