The unpopular temple proposal

The owners want to build a temple, which they can do since it will be a community facility. However, they seek a variance so they can provide fewer parking spaces than legally required and to build a larger building above ground so the women will have enough space to sit above the main sanctuary. They can legally build on what they have, but they worry that what they can build will be too small for their needs or wants. But if they are permitted to provide fewer parking spaces, it will cause problems for their neighbors.

Plans for new temple rile Jamaica Estates

The lot at the corner of Chevy Chase Street and 80th Road would be the third temple site on the block, with Hillcrest Jewish Center behind it on Union Turnpike and Anshe Shalom under construction at the corner of 80th Road and Kent Street. Another temple is across Union Turnpike at 180th Street.

CB 8 votes down temple over parking

After the meeting, one resident said the temples influence who chooses to move to the area, that when she moved into a neighborhood 34 years ago with people of all faiths and ethnicities, now the majority of newcomers are Jewish.

"I feel like I'm living in a ghetto. And I'm Jewish," she said.