JACKSON – A resolution that would set aside lawsuits so that the township and various parties can discuss the possibilities of eruvs, schools, and dormitories will be voted on at the December 13 Township Council meeting.
The resolution would ratify an interim settlement that would temporarily suspend litigation in order for officials to consider amending zoning laws to provide for the “reasonable development of schools and boarding schools in the township.”
There were two lawsuits named in the resolution: Agudath Israel of America and WR Property, LLC vs. Jackson; and Oros Bais Yaakov High School vs. Jackson and the board of adjustment.
The lawsuits state that the township’s ordinances violate the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act, a federal law that prohibits zoning that targets religious assemblies.
The settlement agreement had been hashed out during a mediation session advised by the U.S. District Court that was hearing the Agudath Israel case.
According to the resolution, the council would be in favor of the settlement agreement in order to avoid hefty legal fees.
