Planning Commission approves conditional use permit for Hindu community facility at former Moose Lodge in Old Town

The Newark Planning Commission on the evening of Sept. 23 approved a conditional use permit and design review to convert the vacant Moose Lodge at 6840 Rich Avenue into a Hindu community assembly facility. The resolution, adopted by voice vote, imposes conditions requiring site repairs, interior life‑safety and code upgrades, and prohibits outdoor events without separate permits.

Staff planner Brandon DeLucas told the commission the project will occupy the existing 5,730‑square‑foot building and include interior electrical, plumbing and mechanical upgrades; minor exterior elevation changes; repair of a degraded parking lot (slurry seal and targeted repairs); replacement of dead landscaping; upgraded exterior lighting to meet municipal code; repair of a damaged curb, gutter and sidewalk along the shared driveway at Magnolia; and added bicycle parking. DeLucas said the applicant plans to readdress the building to…