On Monday night, the Jackson Township Planning Board granted Preliminary and Final Major Site Plan approval to Bais Medrash of Jackson.
This approval follows the Conditional Use Variance the existing shul received from the Zoning Board several years ago.
The site plan is for a 9,862 sq foot house of worship with associated site improvements on 140-146 South New Prospect Road.
The architectural plans depict 2,298 sq feet of main congregant seating, 2,299 sq feet of multi-purpose room assembly area, 871 sq feet of library assembly area.
The statement of operation submitted prior to the public hearing indicated that there will not be any events such as weddings or bar mitzvahs on-site. However, at the public hearing it was revealed that the multi-purpose room assembly area is a social hall intended to be used for brissim in the morning and Bar Mitzvahs at night. After prodding from the Board the shul's representatives agreed that the social hall - which has a 150 person capacity - would not be "rented out," rather it would be "for shul members only," and that it wouldn't be used while the main shul is in use.
A total of 59 off-street parking spaces will be provided.
The shul was represented by Attorney Salvatore Alfieri, Engineer Eli Halpert, Architect Naftoli Gut, and Traffic Expert Scott Kennel.
Mr. Halpert testified that as part of the approval of the shul, the existing traffic signal at the intersection will be upgraded with a fourth leg at the shul's driveway. Additionally, new left turn lanes will be striped on both sides of South New Prospect Road. Mr. Alfieri agreed that the new shul will not begin to operate until the road improvements are completed.
At Mr. Alfieri's request, the Board agreed that the existing shul may continue to be used until the new shul is constructed.
Shul representatives indicated they anticipate being in position to commence construction next spring.
The Board urged Mr. Halpert to provide an address sign in English for use by emergency responders.
The Board recently approved a mikvah building to be built across the road.
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