MILLBURN, NJ - In the latest in a series of meetings that began on April 12th of this year, Millburn’s Zoning Board of Adjustment heard arguments on the proposed Chai Center synagogue to be built at the corner of Old Short Hills Road and Jefferson Avenue. The board had expected a larger crowd than could be accommodated at its usual venue in the Municipal Building, so the meeting took place at the Millburn High School auditorium.

After Rabbi Mendel Bogomilsky testified to the accuracy of certain statements attributed to him in his attorney’s letter to the board, he was questioned in great detail both by the board and the audience about the membership of his congregation and the nature of a list of names he supplied to the board.

Attorney Larry Kron, representing Rabbi Bogomilsky, then called Mr. David Fantina, a public engineer from Bernardsville, to testify. Mr. Fantina said he first came into contact with the Chai Center in 2005. Mr. Kron examined Mr. Fantina on the variances and waivers required by the project. Mr. Fantina described each of these and stated that another plan exists that meets all requirements except the minimum land requirement. It has not been submitted to the board, he said, because it produces a building at odds with the general character of the neighborhood.

Mr. John Lamb, the attorney representing Gail and Ciro Gamboni, residents opposed to the synagogue’s application, then cross-examined Mr. Fantina. Mr. Lamb’s questions were followed by additional cross-examination by Mr. Kevin Coakley, and by Zoning Board members.

Mr. Fantina answered questions about whether the number of parking spaces was adequate, how emergency vehicles could access the property while services were taking place, whether service access was adequate, whether an environmental impact statement had been obtained for modifications to a culvert, whether he had done a title search, and the effect of planned lighting on adjoining properties.

Mr. Fantina also responded to numerous questions about the exact location and nature of a swale, and discussed whether "swale" was the correct description of the geographical feature in question. Mr. Coakley wanted to know about matters such as stream encroachment permits, and whether the stream or swale had a name. Mr. Kron deflected many of these questions, noting he had a wetlands expert in the wings. Time ran out before the expert could be called.

After the meeting had ended, board member Michael Parlavecchio noted that due to the length of the dispute, "Both sides are being very thorough."

The event turned out to be less of a draw than expected, so after a careful count of audience members during the recess, Board Chairman Joseph Steinberg announced that the next special meeting on the Chai Center synagogue matter will be moved back to the Municipal Building and held on August 23rd. He promised another meeting on the same subject on September 27th.