August 25, 2010

Mayor John Heilman
Mayor Pro Tempore John Duran
Councilmember Abbe Land
Councilmember Lindsay Horvath
Councilmember Jeffrey Prang
City of West Hollywood
8300 Santa Monica Boulevard
West Hollywood, CA 90069
 

Dear Mayor Heilman and Council Members Duran, Land, Horvath and Prang:

As a resident of West Hollywood, I am writing to support the Iranian American Jewish Federation in their efforts to present alternative conditions to allow the continued operation of Neman and Sapper Halls at our synagogue located at the corner of Crescent Heights and Fountain.

This synagogue was built by the local Jewish community in the 1950’s and Neman Hall was dedicated in 1967.  Many of the surrounding apartments and condominiums came later. The activities conducted at the synagogue and Neman Hall have remained the same for over forty years; weddings, memorials, brit milah’s, bat mitzvahs and bar mitzvahs.  It is our custom to conduct these ceremonies at our synagogue where we have the advantage of kosher food preparation.

The synagogue has made many efforts to reduce noise and traffic including installing double paned windows in the residences of our neighbors. We have a standing offer to install those windows for any neighbor that desires them. We use valet service for all events, to maximize parking and to minimize the number of persons in the parking lots. Recently we have shifted all deliveries to the loading zone in the street regardless of the time of day. We have made every effort to respond to every complaint made by the neighbors regardless of its merit.

This synagogue and its meeting facilities are a vital part of the Jewish community in West Hollywood and are an integral part of the Iranian-American Jewish community in this region.  It stands at the center of our religious and social custom. We will take whatever legal action is necessary to preserve our rights to use this facility.  And it will have severe consequences at the poll station.

The long term solution to the noise and parking issues is to build adequate parking on the site.  The Federation has filed an application with the City to do just that. In the meantime the Federation has developed operating limitations that will address the concerns expressed by the neighbors until the parking structure can be completed.

I hope you will give the Federation’s proposal every consideration.

Sincerely

*If you are a resident of West Hollywood, please mention it in the comment box.