Atlantic Beach closer to seizing Chabad site

The brouhaha over a decision by the village of Atlantic Beach to block a Chabad of the Beaches expansion plan continued at a Feb. 14 trustee meeting.

The five-member board voted unanimously to approve a resolution that 90 days after the public comment period, which ended on Jan. 24, action can move forward.

The village wants to seize through eminent domain two parcels that the Long Beach-based Chabad purchased in November for $950,000.

The village says it intends to convert a building on the first property, at 2025 Park St., into a community center. The second property, at 2035 Park St., would be used as a community park. The properties, which total 18,500 square feet. are adjacent to an existing village-owned recreational facility that includes tennis, pickleball and basketball courts.

Chabad Rabbi Eli Goodman told the Nassau Herald that he has spoken to lawyers on how to proceed and protect the group’s interests.

“I am very upset, this is clear discrimination and it is totally, totally unacceptable,” he said, adding that Chabad is planning to build “a beautiful center not only for the Jewish community center but for all the residents.”

Residents Victoria Simao and Danielle Strauss voiced their opposition to the village buying the parcels, especially since the acquisition will cost the village at least the price that Chabad of the Beaches paid for the parcels.

By press time, Mayor George Pappas did not return a call for comment.

Reporting by the Nassau Herald