Land Use Dispute- Is It a House of Worship Or A School?

The Journal-News reported yesterday on a religious land use controversy in Ramapo, New York. Rabbi Chaim Rottenberg wants to remodel a two-story home into a synagogue to be used by about 25 to 30 young men for religious services, prayers and study. Deputy Building Inspector Steve Conlee has decided that the building will not fall under the category "house of worship", but instead will be a "school of religious instruction" which requires at least a 2-acre lot under the county's zoning code. Neighbors object to the project, and now proponents will either need to seek a review of Conlee's decision or seek a variance from the town's Zoning Board of Appeals if it does not change its building plans. The town's Planning Board meets again in January to discuss site plan approval.