The Ramapo town board voted unanimously, Wednesday night, to approve a zoning change that will allow a developer to create a 44-unit subdivision on property owned by Temple Beth El Lohud Rockland News reports.

Temple Beth El’s membership has seen a decrease in recent years, and the approval was made on the condition that the nearby single-family homes have a sufficient buffer.

The congregation, according to members who spoke at the meeting, plans to use the proceeds primarily for the upkeep of the 50-year-old synagogue, including roof work, parking lot paving and interior repairs,

“We’re embarking on a brand-new era — we want to embark on that with financial stability,” said Ira Emanuel, a member of the synagogue and an attorney representing project developer Ephraim Grossman of Monsey..

“I don’t want you to think you weren’t heard,” Town Board member Patrick Withers told the few dozen people assembled before the vote.

“We heard everything … and sometimes we have to make compromises,” he said.

(Jacob Kornbluh – YWN Monsey)