HOLLYWOOD — There are mixed emotions in Hollywood Lakes after the city’s historic preservation board voted 4-2 on Tuesday to approve a Jewish ritual bath, or mikvah, in the residential neighborhood.
Some residents stormed out of the boardroom following the vote, while others hugged in celebration.
Opponents say their concerns are not about religion, but zoning.
One neighbor after another walked out after the board approved plans to demolish and rezone a home at 1434 Monroe St. to make way for the proposed bathhouse.
“I’m mixed emotions on it. Because it’s a religious item and topic our hands are tied as residents unfortunately ... and I respect the religious,” said Pam Burgio, who opposed the project.
Burgio was among several outspoken neighbors who objected to the demolition and rezoning.
“Do you job and focus on what we’re doing here today and deny this application,” another man told the board.
The property owners plan to build a mikvah, a specialized pool used in Judaism for ritual immersion to achieve purity.
“I don’t think it belongs in a residential neighborhood. That’s the biggest issue,” Burgio said.
“There is only one thing that has me not supporting it and it’s zoning,” said Rachel Mazor.
After a meeting last year, architects returned with a redesign they say better fits the neighborhood. Designers also moved parking to the rear of the property.
“Our intent is to make this a collaborative project with the community because we live and we care about the fabric of the neighborhood just as much as you do,” said Mendy Halberstan.
Tensions flared before the vote, prompting calls for security.
Project leaders say they hope to move forward positively.
“The project is approved so now they just have to work out technical details within the city and it will go to permit and they will start building it,” said Fred Furze.
The board approved the special exception with five conditions, including parking restrictions, appointment limits and that the facility only be used by women.
Some neighbors say they remain concerned about enforcement and about having the facility in their neighborhood.
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