Synagogue Claims Civil Rights Violations in Suit Against Town

The Greenwich Reform Synagogue reportedly has filed a federal lawsuit against the Town of Greenwich claiming denial of plans to build a synagogue violates its civil rights.

The synagogue filed the action on Monday that also named the Planning and Zoning Board of Appeals. The suit accuses officials of discrimination on the basis of religion, according to a report in The Republic. 

A week after the Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously voted in June to approve plans to build a $6 million, 12,000-square-foot synagogue on Orchard Street in the Cos Cob neighborhood of town, the appeals board voted 2-2 with one abstention to deny the congregation's application.

The synagogue says many changes, including reducing the size of the building, to address neighbors' and town concerns, were made in order to receive town approvals.

The congregation has been working on its plans since 2012 with numerous appearances before town land use agencies. Since news reports first surfaced the congregation was buying parcels in the neighborhood to create a footprint for the project, residents and local politicians have objected saying the proposal was not in character with the area.

The Republic story can be found here.