Orthodox Jews Fight New Parking Rule

March 21, 2004

Source: The New York Post

http://www.nypost.com/news/regionalnews/21149.htm

On March 21, 2004 The New York Post reported, "Observant Jews whose beliefs bar them from driving to a synagogue are trying to put the brakes on a city councilman's proposal that would require many new houses of worship to provide off-street parking. 'In the attempt to fix problems, you create parking restrictions that are unfairly onerous and burdensome to people within the Jewish community - mandates to provide parking where people don't drive to services,' said City Councilman James Gennaro, of a proposal by fellow Queens Democrat Councilman Tony Avella. Houses of worship have generally been exempted from many building regulations. Those in suburban-like neighborhoods in the outer boroughs face less restrictive requirements for parking facilities than other structures. "