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Greenwich Synagogue Won't Be The Giant Feared By Neighbors

GREENWICH, Conn. (CBSNewYork) -- A proposed Greenwich synagogue will be much smaller that the monstrous house of worship feared by some neighbors, WCBS 880 Connecticut Bureau Chief Fran Schneidau reported.

The Greenwich Reform Synagogue has filed its plans with Town Hall to construct a building of less than 13,000 square feet in the Cos Cob neighborhood. Some residents have expressed concerns that a large venue would create traffic, noise and flooding issues. A group called Cos Cob Families Fighting For Residential Right has filed a lawsuit against the Greenwich Reform Synagogue.

Robert Birnbaum, board president for the synagogue. said it was difficult to alleviate neighbors' fears because there was no specific design plan on paper. Now that a plan has been filed, he said he hopes to open an ongoing dialogue with residents.

Greenwich Synagogue Won't Be The Giant Feared By Neighbors

"Every case where we've actually met the neighbors and talked through what it is we have in mind, the reaction has been very positive, and they have found our project to be very non-objectionable," Birnbaum said.

The 2.5-story building would include a sanctuary, classrooms and offices as well as 48 parking spots.

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