The Village of Old Westbury Board of Trustees adjourned a public hearing Monday on a proposal by Old Westbury Hebrew Congregation to construct a tent on the west side of its property at 21 Old Westbury Road.
The synagogue requested a modification to a special-use permit that was previously granted by the board back in 2002 to allow for additional variances.
The Old Westbury Hebrew Congregation was initially granted 25,000 square feet, the maximum covering permitted for buildings and accessory structures by the village.
Burton Roslyn, an architect representing the synagogue, said it is requesting a special-use permit for an additional 900 square feet, which will serve as a “butler’s pantry” for the outdoor pavement on the property.
Two residents at the meeting objected to any permits being granted, complaining of noise and light disturbances.
Mayor Fred Carillo told Roslyn and attorney Thomas Pantelis that the board heard complaints from a resident who said the music and lighting from the synagogue’s property disturbs him at night.
“The music played during the gathering is really light music and the party ends by 9 p.m. at most,” Roslyn said.
Yun Kim, who lives directly across the property disputed Roslyn’s claims.
“Light music is really a slap in the face and the music goes well past 9 p.m.,” Kim said. “Sometimes, it goes on till midnight.”
Kim said he hears the music from his bedroom and his two children often can’t go to sleep.
Another resident present at the board meeting agreed with Kim.
“I have attended some of the events on the property and I can tell you they go past 9 p.m.,” the resident said. “They also have portable lights.”
Mark Spector, a member of the congregation, said the patio area isn’t visible to residents and none of the events are bad as being described.
“It’s not about if you can see it or not, it’s whether residents can hear the music or see the lights,” Carillo said.
Pantelis suggested the board grant the permit to go ahead with the construction and the synagogue agree to the time and noise restrictions to satisfy the resident’s complaints.
“If the initial plans for the pavement, which was built without permit by the board, was for religious rites, then the board can limit the wording of the permit specifically for what it can be used for,” Village Trustee Edward Novick said.
Pantelis said the pavement was built to accommodate catering of events and orthodox weddings on the property, which required access to open skies.
“Yes, we understand that and we respect your religious rites but you did build the pavement without permit,” Novick said.
Carillo said the board will schedule a joint meeting with the Planning Board and the Architectural Review Board to hash out the issues in April.
