Religion And Zoning: A Home Or A Synagogue?

The debate over zoning and religion comes to a point in an historic upscale Los Angeles neighborhood of Orthodox Jews and architecture connoisseurs.

1 minute read

October 27, 2003, 5:00 AM PST

By Chris Steins @planetizen

"At its simplest, this is a story about zoning laws and building permits. But Congregation Etz Chaim's three decades in Hancock Park are, in fact, a much more convoluted tale about a neighborhood aching from the pains of change... The homeowners say Etz Chaim's building, and another now under construction, aren't homes at all, but synagogues that threaten the pristine, residential identity of their neighborhood. The Orthodox Jews of Etz Chaim insist that they have equal claim to the neighborhood and a legal right to pray where they wish."

Thanks to Chris Steins

FULL STORY: House of Prayer Splits Neighbors

Sunday, October 26, 2003 in The Los Angeles Times

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