The developer of a Monsey Shul in a residential neighborhood is working with residents to address their concerns about the proposed three-floor, nearly 10,000-square-foot building. Kahal Noam Elimelech Litzenks is planning to build the Shul on Dolson Road near its intersection with Remsen Avenue on a triangular piece of land that is just short of an acre.

According to paperwork filed with the Ramapo Building, Planning and Zoning Department in August, the synagogue would serve 15 to 20 families. The congregation has been in existence for more than 20 years and was housed in a building on Central Avenue in Clarkstown.

The town’s Planning Board had previously approved development plans by a group called Lakewood Minyan at the site in 2003. Town Engineer Paul Gdanski said that since then, the property was sold to the congregation and the plans were changed slightly.

Gdanski said that since the congregation’s proposal included a larger building and a residence for the rabbi, a new development plan had to be approved by the town.

The plan also includes the addition of a parking lot that would have 23 parking spaces. The Planning Board will resume discussion of the proposal at its Nov. 14 meeting

Elizabeth Diamond’s family has lived on Hilltop Place, which sits directly behind the proposed synagogue, for 47 years. She said she remembers playing in the woods as a child and was dismayed to hear that the area would be paved to make way for a parking lot.

Like most of her neighbors, Diamond said she was upset to hear that a synagogue was proposed adjacent to her home, especially considering that another one is being built about 300 feet away, but in speaking with congregation officials, many of her concerns were alleviated.

“My concern is that it is going to be turned into a yeshiva,” said Diamond, 41. “We don’t want it to be a school.”

Diamond said she and others on her block were also concerned about the lights from the parking lot, congregants using their properties as shortcuts and an increase in traffic that could create a safety hazard with all the neighborhood’s children.

But, Harry Jeremias, the congregation’s coordinating member, said he had spoken with Diamond and had reassured her that there would be no yeshiva at the site, a 6-foot fence would separate the synagogue from her property and lights in the parking lot would be lowered so they wouldn’t disturb residents.

“We will accommodate what they request,” Jeremias said. “That’s what sets us apart from other projects in Monsey that brings in shuls or synagogues. It’s not an issue. Every neighbor understands and knows that we are sensitive to their concerns.”

Diamond said she appreciated the congregation’s willingness to listen to neighbors’ concerns.

“Both sides are working together to make sure it happens the right way,” she said. “Everyone is willing to talk, and it’s a great start.”

TJN