Jackson Delays Vote On Jewish Girls School

Jackson Township's Zoning Board has postponed its vote on whether or not to build an orthodox Jewish girls school in the township.

Over 1,200 people packed the four-hour meeting at Jackson Memorial High School last night. Many have argued the area isn't equipped to handle the new facility on Cross Street, which sits in a residential zone.

A variance is required because the school is located in a residential neighborhood and the school's Rabbi Ephraim Birnbaum wants to have less parking than required for a school of the proposed school's size according to the Asbury Park Press.

While many in attendance supported the new school, those living closest to the school are opposed. “I am the closest neighbor,” said Rasa Kalinauskas, a mother who lives on Cross Street according to the Press.  “I don’t want a school there. It’s a residential property.” “They have the right to build this building without the water suppression system.”

Residents of Cross Street have formed the Jackson Citizens Defense Fund and hired Red Bank attorney Ron Gasiorowski to fight the school. He focused on the lack of an adequate septic system to handle the nearly 200 students that would attend the school when it would open.

The Ocean Signal reports the school would be built without a sprinkler system due to the size of the school. While school representatives acknowledged the school would be safer with a sprinkler system, she said, “They have the right to build this building without the water suppression system.”

Another hearing will be held on February 19.

MORE COVERAGE:

• Jackson Orthodox high school vote postponed / Asbury Park Press
• Jackson Zoning Board Meeting – November 20th /Ocean Signal