Citizens voted to reject an expansion project for the Gate David synagogue at 5363 Hutchison in the Plateau borough of Montreal Sunday.

The result of the referendum was 53.41 percent against, specifically 243 votes against, versus 212 in favour.

There were 1,201 eligible voters and 455 of them exercised their right to cast ballots, for a participation rate of 38.3 percent.

The issue has been the subject of litigation for several years.

In 2009 the Superior Court denied the group a renovation permit. The synagogue recently held an open house in hopes of currying support for the project.

Pierre Lacerte runs a blog called Outremont Accommodations and has been critical of what he sees as bylaw violations by neighborhood synagogues. He says although renovations are acceptable, expansion is not.

 “If they want to renovate it, we’ll be very glad of it … but not [if they plan] to increase the size of it,” Lacerte said.

Previously a synagogue spokesperson Rifka Hanfling said neighbors needn’t be concerned.

“Most of us live within the neighborhood, and walk to the synagogue,” Hanfling said. “But even so, the ones that would be coming by car, it’s basically, like you know, you’re going to your job nine to five, you’re bringing your car, you’re parking, and then you’re taking it away.”

To gain some public support, Gate David Hasidic held an open house this Sunday.

(Source: CTV / CBC)