Despite a challenge from homeowners, the Oak Park Municipal Advisory Council (MAC) voted on April 27 to recommend changes to Chabad of Oak Park’s Conditional Use Permit that could allow the Orthodox congregation to expand its occupancy rate and activities.
“I’m not saying that we got 100 percent of what we wanted, but we are very happy,” said Rabbi Yisroel Levine, spiritual leader of Chabad of Oak Park.
Neighbors who voiced opposition to the expansion plans expressed concerns over parking, safety and noise.
MAC board member Derek Ross said that he only became aware of the house-based synagogue when homeowner complaints came in and the permit came up for review. “I never even knew there was a synagogue there,” he said.
The synagogue, located in a residential home in the 5900 block of Conifer Street for the past 16 years, is used for Shabbat services and limited classes; it also features the only mikveh in the Conejo Valley.
Chabad of Oak Park requested a 20-year permit that would allow for a maximum occupancy of 145 people on Shabbat — up from its current 70 — as well as an increase in its weekday and Friday night occupancy (from 10 to 40) and the addition of Sunday morning services.
During the April 27 meeting at Oak Park High School, which drew more than 250 people and ran until midnight, MAC approved the increase for Friday services but set Shabbat occupancy at 127 people and extended Chabad of Oak Park’s permit from a five-year renewal process to 10 years. MAC denied the request for the addition of Sunday services, but allowed for up to 10 people and four cars in the home’s driveway on weekdays for mikveh use and other activities.
MAC makes its recommendations to the Ventura County Planning Commission, which has final say on the permit. Levine said that his community is working with the county to establish a hearing date.
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