MHC: Hollywood is expected to ask a federal judge today for more time to settle a religious discrimination lawsuit brought against the city by an Orthodox synagogue.

Jury selection is scheduled to start at 9 a.m. before Judge Joan Lenard in U.S. District Court in Miami.The city last week offered a last-minute deal to end the five-year dispute with the Hollywood Community Synagogue Chabad Lubavitch. Now, the congregation wants time to consider the offer.

Even if the settlement is accepted, Hollywood leaders may face a fresh round of lawsuits — this time from neighbors concerned that the deal would allow the synagogue to expand without their input or city approval.

”The point is to end this litigation, not start 10 more lawsuits,” said Commissioner Peter Bober, who supports the latest deal. “How are we not liable to all these other property owners?”

The proposal now on the table would give the Chabad $2 million and allow it to remain in the homes at 2215 and 2221 N. 46th Ave. — with some restrictions on expansion.

Under the agreement, the synagogue would be allowed to buy only three more lots in a two-block area to expand and build whatever it wants. Initially, the Chabad had wanted to be able to buy as many lots as it needed, without any restriction.

Some 40 homes are located in that two-block area.Rabbi Joseph Korf said the congregation may consider a day care, school or parking lot.Chabad leaders agreed to consider the deal and ask Lenard for a delay this morning…..