Lakewood, NJ – Outcry Spreads as Deal Over Synagouge Sought.

Lakewood, NJ – The controversy surrounding a condominium in A Country Place that neighbors contend is being used as a makeshift synagogue has apparently raised concern among residents of other private, age-restricted communities.

Complaints about the converted synagogue on Azalea Court in A Country Place were first raised at the homeowners association’s May meeting, where residents and board members claimed it was breaking association bylaws.

Since then, the debate has grown from private grumbling to public protest. People from various neighborhoods have come in groups to speak out at the past two Township Committee meetings, even while municipal officials struggle to find some middle ground with the Orthodox Jewish owners and the condominium association behind closed doors.

“I would characterize the negotiations as being in good faith — both parties met to try to work out the differences,” said Michael Bateman, the township’s mediator, who held a meeting with the two sides Monday.

But A Country Place resident Milt Itell said the association’s president, Josephine Mazzio, told him the talks “got nowhere.” [asburypark]