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Mostly Cloudy Temple seeks new zoning options
Residents want clarity on use of subdivided half-acre property
Few matters evoke a neighborhood’s passion more than change, and the prospect of any significant alteration of part of Central Avenue has some residents in Lawrence concerned.
Temple Israel, at 140 Central Ave., between Winchester Place and Fulton Street, needs to sell a portion of its property for financial reasons. The move requires a variance from the Village of Lawrence Board of Zoning Appeals to subdivide the land, and the board’s approval is contingent on how the new owner will use the parcel.
After a Jan. 11 Board of Zoning Appeals meeting at the Lawrence Yacht & Country Club, Temple Israel President James Rotenberg told the Herald that the temple would now pursue residential use for its requested variance. “We have every intent, if we’re able to, to sell to a residential purchaser, provided the appropriate price,” he said. “It seemed at least clear to me that the Board of Zoning Appeals was willing to grant us the variance if we do sell for residential purposes, and I also felt that the community supported that sale.”
The temple plans to sell a little more than a half-acre of its front lawn to defray a loss of revenue due to declining membership over the past several years. The temple — the only reform congregation remaining in the Five Towns — once had 1,500 members, according to Garrett Gray, the attorney who represents Temple Israel. It now has 235 members.
“The front lawn, while aesthetically pleasing, simply is not utilized by the temple or its lessees,” Gray said. “The sale of a small portion of the temple campus, however, is anticipated to sustain the temple for the foreseeable future, and at least the next 10 years.”
Rotenberg said he is confident that the zoning board will grant the variance the temple seeks to subdivide its front lawn, despite the opposition of many residents — one bearing a 200-signature petition — who packed the meeting room at the zoning board hearing.
After the hearing, the BZA announced that it was reserving its decision on the matter. A determination is expected at the board’s Feb. 16 meeting.
