New Jersey Zoning Lawsuit

Congregation Kollel and its land holding company filed a federal lawsuit against Howell Township and its zoning board of adjustment, claiming that its denial of its plan to build a classroom building was motivated by religious hostility. The congregation wants to build a classroom building for teens and young men studying to become future Orthodox leaders, a dormitory and housing for faculty.

In the lawsuit, the Kollel’s lawyer says that the property the congregation bought last year on Ford Road was in a zoning district that at the time permitted educational facilities where schools could be located. However, the Howell Township Council later revised land-use requirements that severely restricted, a move motivated by “animus toward ultra-Orthodox Jews.”

The community has faced hostility from others in the community, citing social media and the placement of “Howell Strong” yard signs to discourage property sales to Orthodox Jews.

'בחדרי' גם ברשתות החברתיות - הצטרפו!