West End Synagogue Application Conclusion Pushed Back Another Month

Eager Long Branch residents and business owners will have to wait another month to hear the conclusion on Chabad of the Shore's application before the Long Branch Zoning Board of Adjustment.

The board was originally scheduled to hear final testimony and reach a decision on the application tonight, but a note on the agenda states that Chabad of the Shore "has made a request to be heard at the June 10, 2013 meeting."

Chabad wishes to build a two-story building that contains a 200-seat sanctuary, a 200-person capacity multipurpose room with a kitchen on the second floor, and five classrooms, office space and a room for religious services on the second floor. A large, 51-space parking lot in the rear of the property also is included in the plan.

The plan would include the demolition of an old movie theater on Ocean Avenue and two stores south of the structure; Mike's West End Deli, which is now vacant, and Lou's Uniforms. There are also two vacant apartments above the stores.

A synagogue is not a permitted use in the commercial zone, so Chabad of the Shore is looking to obtain a use variance to utilize the site and also obtain some minor bulk variances for parking and setbacks.