In a case that turned on the proper balance between accommodating religious observances and zoning regulations, a judge has upheld the removal of a restrictive covenant with a Jewish congregation for a trial period of one year.
Ten years ago, the Village of Lawrence’s Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) granted Bais Medrash of Harborview permission to construct and operate a synagogue in a residential neighborhood subject to the congregation’s agreement that it would not use the premises on weekdays, except for certain Jewish holidays that fell during the week.
