Didan Notzach, Chabad Project Reapproved

Rabbi Abend and his Chabad congregation rejoiced on Wednesday, June 27 as the City Council reapproved the Chabad project to be constructed in Sherman Oaks on Chandler Boulevard.

The City Council voted 10 to 0 in favor of the continuation for the 12,000-square-foot synagogue, to the disappointment of many residents who disapproved the project. Wednesday's meeting was much like the meeting held the day before regarding the construction of the synagogue. Residents were allowed to attend and speak up one-by-one in order to share their viewpoint of the building's construction before the councilmen placed their votes.

"Given that the project has largely been constructed...and has community support, this seems to be the correct way to proceed," said City Councilman Paul Koretz, who currently represents the area.

Residents found the building to be too large for the residential area and fear the traffic it will bring into their neighborhood. Those who opposed the plan appealed to court the council's first approval of the project, which was granted. Thus, the council had to reevaluate their decision and go through the process again of voting whether or not the synagogue should be allowed to expand its former size. CONTINUE...