Hillside—Deja vu: The Hillside Municipal courtroom was again filled to capacity as the Zoning Board reconvened to consider the building plans proposed by Congregation Adath Israel of Elizabeth. This time, the full quorum of board members was present. The experts and witnesses who gave testimony at the previous hearing on June 7 were also present, although the chair of the zoning board, Dennis Kobitz, had issued a policy statement during the last hearing that witness testimony was officially closed for all information presented on June 7. The attorney for AI responded to the board’s inquiry about the number of handicapped parking spaces in the plan, by assuring that AI would fully comply with the board’s recommendation.
Mr. Kobitz then asked for roll call on a motion to accept the plans. The motion to approve the plans was put forth by board member Angelo Bonano, and was seconded by board member Theoadora Kulish. Mr. Kobitz then asked for those in favor, and the other members of the board gave a unanimous show of hands, with none abstaining and none opposing. An immediate buzz of the crowd quieted quickly as Mr. Kobitz announced the board’s official acceptance of AI’s plan and then adjourned the meeting. Members of the AI community refrained from applauding out of respect for the process and the environment of the courtroom, but the relief and excitement were palpable in the room, amongst big smiles and handshakes.
In her statement to the Jewish Link, Mayor Angela R. Garretson of Hillside Township expressed her admiration for the community of leaders representing Congregation AI, especially in their communication with the personnel in the Hillside Township departments and their preparation for the Zoning Board. The Mayor pointed to the months of careful planning, AI’s consultation with colleagues in the Hillside government and the testimony from industry experts, which highlighted that AI’s vision for this building is based on its growth and role in the community. Mayor Garretson further stated that the plans include multiple benefits for the local and greater Hillside community for generations to come. The mayor committed her support in their “getting to the finish line,” and summarized the new synagogue building as a “win-win” for all of Hillside, and a “continuation of more development to come” for the Township.
Nachi Feit, AI Chairman of the Board, was all smiles outside the courtroom after the hearing. “This is a very exciting and important step for the future of our community. The new shul will serve as an anchor of the community, and we are now ensured of having an appropriate Makom Tefillah that will enable us to sustain our current and future growth.”
This building represents the first new synagogue construction for the Elizabeth/Hillside Jewish community in 65 years, when the current AI building was dedicated in 1955.
Spearheading the proposal was Meir Milgraum, volunteer project manager for the AI building plans. Milgraum is Director of Acquisitions and Development at the Lightstone Group in New York, so his experience in this field was an excellent match for his role as project manager. His vision and leadership were essential in moving the project campaign forward in a professional and successful manner. Milgraum’s remarks underscored those of Feit. “We are excited and very pleased with the huge vote of confidence and support by the Hillside Zoning Board in their unanimous decision to approve our plans for a new building. The significant growth of our community requires a larger building and this is the first step to making that happen,” Milgraum told the Jewish Link.
Rabbi Dr. Jonathan Schwartz, Rabbi of Congregation Adath Israel, was joined by Rabbi Eliyahu Teitz, Associate Dean of the Jewish Educational Center, in expressing delight with the developments. Unanimously, they said “This is a great day for the community!”
Post-hearing discussion as everyone filed out of the courtroom alluded to the potential community growth in Hillside and the northern and western border areas of Elizabeth. The potential increase in property value was also a popular theme. On a slightly different note, one councilman also commented in passing after the first hearing about “how well organized and what a great job the (Jewish) community (Hatzalah) does at taking care of health and medical emergencies, and how much that helps the public community resources to meet their high demands. We are all for your growth and progress in Hillside,” he said.
Specific plans for ground-breaking and the start of construction have not yet been announced.
By Ellie Wolf
