August 1, 2008
by Ann Marie Fallon
At their regular monthly meeting on Wednesday July 30, the New Castle Zoning Board of Appeals reviewed Temple Beth El’s proposal for a 21,000 square foot addition.
The expansion, which would more than double their current space, would include classrooms, offices, a social hall, a chapel, an indoor play area and a new entrance. The plan also calls for the creation of 29 parking spaces to compliment the 99 pre-existing spaces.
Temple Beth El, located on six acres on South Bedford Road, was built in 1972. The 18,000 square foot structure was designed by renowned architect Louis Kahn. Octagonal in shape, its design was to reflect the synagogues of Eastern Europe that were destroyed during the Holocaust.
The spokesperson for the current project, who displayed multiple site plan drawings, stated that the purpose of this expansion was not to encourage an increase in the membership of the synagogue, but rather to more effectively meet the needs of the current congregation, which stands at 650 families. Specifically, the plan is designed to accommodate the space needs of their existing community, allow appropriate management of the space to prevent excess wear and tear, maintain the sanctity of the sanctuary and provide a social hall that is appropriate in size and quality.
Neighbors worry about traffic problems on Route 117
Rick Bueti, a neighbor of the temple, said that the synagogue has done a good job of reaching out to the neighbors to discuss their concerns with the proposed project. However, he pointed out that the current traffic conditions in the area are dangerous, and suggested that the increased traffic to that location will exacerbate the dangerous conditions.
Other neighbors to the synagogue, Karen and Alan Kussack, echoed Bueti’s concern about the driving issues in the area. They also expressed concern about the placement of a pedestrian path. They are concerned that this path would have a major impact on the privacy of their property.
The project will need approvals from the New Castle Planning Board for permits that involve wetlands, steep slope and tree removal. The project must also be reviewed by the New Castle Architectural Review Board. The members of the zoning board listed possible variances and clarifications that may be required, including a determination whether blasting is needed as well as an approved storm water pollution plan. The project’s team expects to appear before the zoning board at their next meeting on August 27 to further discuss the plan.
Copyright 2009 NewCastleNOW.org