(Courtesy of VCJC) In accordance with Van Cortlandt Jewish Center (VCJC) bylaws, a special membership meeting was held on Sunday, March 30, to discuss and vote on the proposed sale of the building. This followed a March 5 meeting in which the board of trustees of VCJC, located in the Bronx, voted unanimously to approve the sale of its building to Barone Management.

The resolution presented for vote included the $4 million sale price, the planned construction of a new 5,000 -square-foot synagogue building and air rights for an additional 5,000 square feet, and the fact that the funds from the sale will be used to support the congregation in the coming years and to maintain and improve any retained real property. No dissolution of VCJC was contemplated.

The transaction will include a lease agreement, whereby the majority of the building will be leased to a newly chartered school within the South Bronx Classical Charter School network. To minimize risk, VCJC will remain the property owner during construction, ensuring the congregation has a place of worship at all times.

Additionally, under the Purchase and Sale Agreement (PSA), the new synagogue building will be constructed on the property while VCJC remains the property owner and will be fully funded by Barone Management. This structure ensures that the congregation retains ownership of either its current property or the new synagogue at all times, minimizing risk.

Concerns were raised about reinstating senior programs, such as community lunches. Board chairman Jack Kleinfeld assured members that efforts would be made to negotiate a senior services program once the new synagogue is built.

VCJC attorney Dean Roberts of Norris McLaughlin was present to address legal questions and provide guidance on the transaction. Following the discussion, the resolution was put to a roll call vote. The membership approved the sale by a margin of 32-10.