Developer looks to raze Borough Park synagogue

<p>A developer is looking to raze the oldest synagogue in Borough Park, while some congregations members are fighting against its destruction.</p>

News 12 Staff

Aug 28, 2017, 9:48 PM

Updated 2,760 days ago

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A developer is looking to raze the oldest synagogue in Borough Park, while some congregations members are fighting against its destruction.
The 111-year-old Congregation Anshe Lubawitz, located at 12th Avenue and 41st Street, could be replaced by six stories of condominiums, a rental space for events and a new temple on the first floor -- after Waterfront Management bought the site for $3.1 million.
Fifteen congregation members are fighting the demolition, arguing in court papers that they were not consulted about the sale until after the fact. The synagogue's board claims it provided plenty of notice, but a judge has agreed to temporarily halt the demolition.
The developer tells News 12 that the sale will "enable the congregation to continue its religious mission." The board agrees, saying it needs the funds to keep the shul alive.
The synagogue's board says the place has fallen into disrepair, estimating that mold and structural damage could cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to fix. Some members, however, contend that the structure only requires minor repairs.
The battle for the synagogue's future continues next month in court.