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News 12 was invited into a Satmar Jewish family’s home Tuesday following a historic meeting between the village of Kiryas Joel and town of Monroe.

“We feel it is our holy duty to tell the neighbors we want to live with them in peace,” says Rabbi Yoel Loeb.

The tension between the two has simmered ever since Kiryas Joel went public with a plan to double in size. The meeting on Monday was the first time both communities have met together with village officials.

Leaders from both communities say the meeting helped dial down the hostility.

Officials say public concerns will be addressed in a state environmental review. They say concerns about the land deal can be submitted in writing for the environmental review until the end of the month.

Skeptics, however, say they aren’t so sure about the fairness of the upcoming process.

(Source: News 12)