Jackson Zoning Board Shuts Down Rabbi Matzliach’s Shul

The Jackson Zoning Board on Wednesday evening affirmed a zoning officer’s determination that an part-time minyan in a home’s detached garage on Ashford Road requires a use variance.

The Board determined that using the garage does not fall under the permitted use of one’s home for prayers because it is technically a standalone structure.

The applicants argued otherwise – that the detached structure was 100% part of their home and used by the family as part of their home – a point the board made no attempt to deny.

This case will most likely ultimately end up in court, with a judge making the final decision over whether prayers in a detached garage should be considered a permitted use or whether it should require a use variance from the Zoning Board.

- Advertisement -

1 COMMENT

  1. The Board pointed out that while the Matzliach’s asserted that just as prayer is permitted in the house it should also be permitted in a garage, Jackson Township’s ordinances consider a garage an accessory use and not a principal use as a house is considered.

    Additionally, I’m not convinced it’s accurate to say that the Board “made no attempt to deny that the detached structure was 100% part of their home and used by the family as part of their home,” because the Board responded by pointing out that the Township’s zoning ordinances consider a garage an accessory use in which only parking and storage is permitted, and therefore the use of religious services would require a Use Variance.

    Of note, tonight’s application was only for an appeal of the Zoning Officer’s determination – which the Board found to be in accordance with the Township’s zoning ordinances. The Board did not actually deny a Use Variance to permit religious services because the Matzliach’s did not apply for one.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Most Popular

BD”E: Tragic Petirah Of 46-Year-Old Lakewood Father R’ Avi Grodsky Z”L

Lakewood Alerts regrets to inform you of the sudden...

NEW JERSEY: Poll Shows Harris Leading Trump, Kim Ahead Of Bashaw By Healthy Margin In Garden State

A poll conducted by Cygnal, a GOP-affiliated polling firm,...

Howell Police Welcomes New Promotions: Sgt. Matt Cadott And Officer Andrew McCarthy

The Howell police department is celebrating the promotion of...

Lakewood Fire District Achieves Nationally Recognized Improvement in Fire Protection Rating

The Lakewood Board of Fire Commissioners, alongside Fire Chief...