Variance needed for Toms River Chabad

The Toms River Zoning Board has rejected a rabbi's argument that a Jewish Center is a permitted use in a residential zone where he has been operating one and a house of worship from his home on Church Road. 

The Asbury Park Press reports more than 1,200 people attended the four hour meeting Thursday night at Toms River High School North.

The Board will decide on hearing date for the Chabad's use variance request at its January 14, 2016 meeting.

Rabbi Moshe Gourarie needs a use variance to continue operating the center, due to an amendment to Toms River's zoning ordinance in 2009, preventing churches in the residential zone where Gourarie's home is located. The 5,500 square foot home sits on a seven-acre tract.

The rapidly growing Orthodox Jewish community in Lakewood has prompted a number of those families to consider moving outside the Township's borders.

Residents of Toms River's North Dover section, near the Lakewood Border, have complained about aggressive real estate solicitors allegedly harassing them into selling. Toms River and several surrounding towns recently amended their soliciting and pedaling or "No Knock" ordinances to make them stricter.

Signs have been popping up on lawns reading, "Don't sell. Toms River Strong," in light of recent events. A petition of nearly 5,000 people opposed to the Gourarie's application cites concerns about increased traffic.

A number of people also have claimed it's unfair to allow Gourarie to live the home tax free. A Chabad is a nonprofit organization. Gourarie's Chabad is the only one in Ocean County.