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Session 1565, Minutes March 16, 1992 Page 4 velopnent. A map was shown inticating that 55% of the <::x:n31:egation now lives within a half mile of the proposed synagogue, a fact important to members be- cause they must walk to services on the Sabbath am holidays. He pointe:l out that over half the buildings on the north side of the block, am all on the south side, were cammercial or multi-family. He eqtlasized several points in regard to the aWlication-Delnar is a main thoroughfare; University City's strength is in its etlmic, racial, cultural, am religious diversity; am churches am synagogues are anDRl the IOOSt important anchoring institutions in any canm.mity. Mr. zimbalist discussed the site plan in sane detail, not- ing the property is 23,637 square feet, am the buildinJ will have 11,040 square feet, slightly larger than the present b.u residences containinJ 9,135 square feet. '!he back, west, east, am front walls of the synagogue will be 25, 53, 30, am 30 feet fran their respective property lines am the building will be centered on the property so that it is farther fran residences on ei- ther side than is currently the case. He discussed the parki.rg, the six foot fence on the sides am rear of the property, am the shaded lighting. Mr . Baron displayed drawinJs that showed several views of the property (eleva- tion, parki.rg, placement of buildinJ, etc.) am said the synagogue will not be higher than any surrourrling buildinJs. Mr. zimbalist said the heating am air conditioninJ equipnent will be hidden by the roof facade. He said it was ironic there will be IlDre parking for a congregation that walks to services than there is for IOOSt of the churches in University City. He added that ar- chitect Jolm pfaff am others involved in the plarming were extremely careful in trying to achieve a result that will be beneficial to the neighborhood am the City. '!he cost will be $1. 2 million, am two-thirds of that is already pledged. He said after ten years of looking for a site, this was the only feasible one that CXJUld be fCllll'Xl in University City. He asked again that Council approve the conditional use pennit with the Plan Ccmnission' s recom- merrled conditions, am said final plans am specifications will be submitted to the City prior to issuance of a buildinJ pennit. Mr. Michael Hennessey, 8037 Delnar, whose property adjoins the proposed syna- gogue on the east, said that YOUnJ Israel's present location has seven acres, whereas the J1eW' site is l1U1ch smaller am certainly not big enough for a con- gregation of 300-400 people. He felt he am his neighbors have been done an injustice by the Plan Ccmnission's rec::x::K'l'Imetions, but it seeI'IS that because of a SUpreme Court roling, YOUnJ Israel may not be turned down. However, ad- ditional research reveals that YOUnJ Israel's site plan does not confonn to the City's zoninJ Code. Mr. Monica Conley, 8011 Amherst, was concen1ed about the precedent that would be set if the city approves this pennit. She ernorsed the right of religions to worship as they please as IOn;)" as the rights of others are not subjugated, but said those living near the site apparently feel their rights will be c0m- promised if this synagogue is built. She noted that several families on her block were asked if they wished to sell their hcmes, even though they are not for sale. She felt YOUnJ Israel should m:we to a location that is a positive for the entire neighborhood, not just for them. Also, the possibility that any denomination CXJUld buy property on her block am build a dlurch upset her. Mr. Jolm stimage, 836 Wilner Drive, said he was qp::lSed to YOUnJ Israel m:w- ing to the Delmar site because he felt it would hurt property values.