Proposed Chabad project is massive I read with interest "Hidden Valley group fights Chabad" in the Sept. 25 edition, and I'd like to clarify a couple of points.
First, Chabad is not planning "to use a single-family home in La Jolla Shores for religious purposes." Their application calls for tearing down the home on the corner of Hidden Valley Road and Ardath Road and constructing a multi-purpose complex with over 12,000 square feet of usable space. Included is a 6,000-square-foot residence, a 96-seat sanctuary, a pre-school, a library, a commercial kitchen, and a social area with capacity for more than 300 people. Underground parking would accommodate about 36 cars.
The height from the basement to the top would be 36 feet, with more than 29 feet above grade. The side facing Ardath Road would be 119 feet long and the side facing Hidden Valley Road would be 106 feet - all behind a six-foot masonry wall. That's massive by any standard! Elizabeth Hansen La Jolla
Chabad project bad for neighborhood This proposed massive Chabad project is located adjacent to the busiest intersection in San Diego. The project has been presented to three La Jolla Community committees: La Jolla Shores Committee, La Jolla Shores Permit Review Committee and the La Jolla Traffic and Transportation Committee. All three denied the plans because of the great concern about a marked increase in accidents, traffic, and safety hazards.
It should be noted that the Web master for the Friends of Hidden Valley was threatened with legal action unless the architect's drawings were removed from the site. It appears that the Chabad group does not want the community to see how enormous this two-story, multi-use building would be.
Rabbi Ezagui was quoted as saying that they have not found another site, but I am sure that our La Jolla real estate professionals would be glad to help find an appropriate site and one that would not lead to more accidents and traffic. Charlotte Thompson, M.D. La Jolla
What's to stop Chabad growth? After reading the article about the Chabad plan it seems like there are many erroneous facts stated in the article. After looking at the friendsofhiddenvalley.org site I went to LJCPA site where the plans are also posted and the identical same massive building plans are posted there.
The building capacity is well over 400 people even though the Rabbi promises 90.
I have a hard time believing that a religious congregation does not encourage growth. The location is also absurd, it being the most congested residential intersection in San Diego. I think La Jollans should take notice. Dr. Lori Nettleton La Jolla
Neighbor supports Chabad project I live up the Hill on Hillside Drive and it is my opinion that it would be a great service to allow the Chabad to be built here. I have had the pleasure of meeting the rabbi and asking him to bar mitzvah my son. He did it with such love that it changed his life and mine. The rabbi will be one of the great community leaders of our city and provide services for those who are in need. Please let me know if I can help. Debbie Ford La Jolla
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