The Ramapo town board voted unanimously, Wednesday night, to approve a zoning change that will allow a developer to create a 44-unit subdivision on property owned by Temple Beth El�Lohud Rockland News reports.

Temple Beth El’s�membership has seen a decrease in recent years, and the approval was made on the condition that the nearby single-family homes have a sufficient buffer.

The congregation, according to members who spoke at the meeting, plans to use the proceeds primarily for the upkeep of the 50-year-old synagogue, including roof work, parking lot paving and interior repairs,

�We�re embarking on a brand-new era � we want to embark on that with financial stability,� said Ira Emanuel, a member of the synagogue and an attorney representing project developer Ephraim Grossman of Monsey..

�I don�t want you to think you weren�t heard,� Town Board member Patrick Withers told the few dozen people assembled before the vote.

�We heard everything � and sometimes we have to make compromises,� he said.

(Jacob Kornbluh – YWN Monsey)