Neighbors press planning board over YKS yeshiva application, citing fire, sewer and code concerns

Chair opened an extended public hearing on an application by YKS to formalize a summer yeshiva program on two adjoining properties. Applicant representative (speaker 9) said the project would legalize existing uses and would not build beyond current structures; he described the use as a religious educational program tied to year‑round enrollment and estimated 103 students for this summer with a potential maximum of 120. "This is going to be or proposed to be a religious educational program, and there seems to be some misunderstanding at times about that," the applicant told the board.

Neighbors pressed the board to require technical documentation before any permit is granted. Raymond Luzam, a Mountaindale resident (speaker 10), urged a full review of occupancy classification and inspections of prior unpermitted work, saying, "This proposal is not simply a continuation of a bungalow colony. It is a major change of use to a religious school with dormitory housing and sampling space." Board members asked the applicant to submit bed‑count calculations tied to the code’s formula (the board referenced 2,800 square feet per dormitory bed), floor plans showing how an 80‑bed dormitory would fit in a 1,400‑square‑foot house, a lighting plan, parking calculations, and wastewater flow estimates. The board agreed to keep the hearing open and schedule site visits and a workshop before the next meeting.