Source: The Newton Tab
http://www.townonline.com/newton/news/local_regional/new_newnesynagoguems12162003.htm
On December 16, 2003 Town Online reported, "Denying accusations that religious bias was a motivating factor in their decision, the Board of Aldermen refused to issue the Chabbad-Lubuvitch congregation a parking waiver it needs in order to open a synagogue on Dedham Street. Beth Menachem Chabad, an Orthodox Jewish Congregation that has operated at 229 Dedham St. for more than three years, sought a waiver of a city requirement that it have 46 off-street parking spots. The congregants argued that parking is not at issue since their religious observance forbids them from driving on the Sabbath and holidays. A press release from the synagogue's rabbi, Chaim Prus, called the vote 'a pernicious act of religious bigotry on the part of those Aldermen who voted to deny the Special Permit, designed to keep Orthodox Jews from maintaining a place of worship in South Newton.'"