Chabad Suit Against Hollywood, Fla. May Settle As Judge Says Zoning Law Is Vague

In a pending federal lawsuit brought by a Jewish Chabad Congregation and the U.S. Department of Justice challenging Hollywood, Florida's removal of a special zoning exception that had been granted for operating a synagogue, the judge has informally announced that she plans to rule that the city's zoning law is too vague. (See prior posting.) In light of this, one member of Hollywood City Council is urging a special meeting to discuss settling the case, according to yesterday's South Florida Sun-Sentinel. Chabad's attorney has sent the city a settlement offer. Officials fear that if the court issues a formal ruling, this will tie their hands in trying to protect neighborhoods from disruption by religious institutions.