Waverly Twp. residents who opposed the Jewish Discovery Center’s plans to build a dozen cabins on its property seek to reverse a township-issued permit that allows them.
Terrence and Margaret Neville appealed the permit issued to the center for its property off Miller Road, according to a legal notice published last week in The Times-Tribune. Township officials did not immediately provide a copy of the appeal.
The permit allowed plans to build the 12 cabins to move forward. The center initially sought zoning relief to build the cabins, but withdrew its application for a special exception after the township issued the permit in November.
The 865-square-foot cabins will be built behind a synagogue and home with access via gravel drives and walkways. Each will accommodate up to six people, with three bedrooms, three bathrooms and a living room. The plans include waterlines and electric facilities. The more than 20-acre property will not be subdivided.
The cabins will only be used by people attending services, observing holy days or participating in programs on the property, according to the application.
Residents who opposed the plans argued the cabins will affect the township’s character. Margaret Neville questioned in December why the township issued the permit and said she planned to appeal.
Attorney Matt Barrett, who represents the center, previously said the proposed use of the property as a place of worship is permissible under the zoning ordinance and the cabins are intended to be used in conjunction with religious activity.
Center representatives presented plans to the township’s planning commission early last year. The commission recommended they present plans to the zoning hearing board instead because the proposed cabins wouldn’t conform with the township’s zoning. The township’s zoning officer wrote to the center outlining ways the plans could comply with existing zoning, which the center challenged.
The zoning hearing board will meet Monday at 5 p.m. in the Waverly Community House.