Planning board approves Temple Israel subdivision so congregation can market Walnut Street parcel

The Long Beach Planning Board voted to approve an amended subdivision request from Temple Israel that will separate the Walnut Street building from the congregation’s other properties to allow the temple to market that parcel for resale.

Attorney Kenneth (Kenny) Apple and longtime congregant Neil Pysner presented background on the 100‑year‑old institution’s financial strain, including unrepaired Sandy damage and rising insurance and operating costs. Apple said the temple’s board has concluded that subdividing and marketing the Walnut Street parcel is necessary to raise funds to preserve the sanctuary and continue operations. Rabbi Elliot Federman said the sale would help the temple retain the sanctuary on Riverside Boulevard and stabilize operations.

Apple told the board the temple’s properties had been merged in the late 1970s and that the Walnut Street structure is currently underused and incurs maintenance costs; the parcel for sale was described as about 100 by 100 feet. Board members discussed how any future buyer’s plans would be subject to zoning and site‑plan review and that tax rolls would be affected if a private buyer purchased the parcel.

A motion to approve the amended subdivision (to two parcels) was made and seconded; the board voted to approve the amended application. The board recorded that the application was approved as amended.