Orangetown, Ramapo congregation making progress on former Nyack College campus. The latest
ORANGETOWN − Town officials and a Ramapo-based religious congregation are methodically working out outstanding issues involving inspections and permitting of multiple buildings at the former Nyack College campus.
Yeshiva of Viznitz D'Khal Torath Chaim in Kaser village bought the sprawling 107-acre campus of 37 buildings for $45.5 million in late 2020, property on Route 9W in Upper Nyack and land in Blauvelt from the Christian and Missionary Alliance. The congregation inherited buildings with fire and safety code violations under the then-village of South Nyack. The congregation then began to occupy buildings with violations and lacking permits to be used.
Mediation: Groundwork for inspections and ending legal action
Plea: Congregation pleads not guilty to violation charges at former Nyack College campus
Violations: Orangetown building inspector files violation charges against Viznitz congregation
The town and congregation have been involved in mediation to solve those issues and other conditions from the former South Nyack's 2021 lawsuit to enforce building codes. Yeshiva countered that South Nyack targeted the congregation based on its faith.
The latest developments between Orangetown and the congregation after five mediation sessions and negotiations since the town took over jurisdiction in 2022 after South Nyack dissolved:
Both sides agree the congregation's use of the property for educational purposes is permitted within the town zoning code.
A schedule is being developed for Orangetown to inspect buildings on the campus and bring buildings in compliance with the state Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code and Orangetown codes.
The congregation will be seeking new permits to occupy many of the buildings. All 37 buildings require updated permits, and several are subject to construction and improvements in need of repairs and meeting town requirements, according to a New York State Supreme Court document resulting from the mediation submitted by the town's attorney, Keane & Beane.
The daycare center and elementary school operating on the site are permissible under the zoning but need to seek permits since the congregation is the new owner, Town Attorney Robert Magrino said. He said the conditions are safe for the children and the congregation must get all necessary approvals from the state for the school and daycare. The congregation's attorney Joseph Churgin of Nanuet, said the daycare is not public but for the children of the teachers at the schools.
Town Attorney Robert Magrino recommended during Tuesday's court session before Justice Richard Finning a $4,500 fine − $750 for each of six violations cited by the Building Department. Magrino said the maximum fine is $1,000. Churgin maintained the congregation's not-guilty plea but said he would discuss the fines with the congregation's leadership. Both sides say they are committed to getting compliance through mediation before retired state Justice William Sherwood before a formal resolution of the legal action. Supreme Court Justice Thomas Zugibe referred the lawsuit to Sherwood for mediation.
The congregation is due back before Finning on March 14 for another update on the progress of resolving the violations on the property.
Steve Lieberman covers government, breaking news, courts, police, and investigations. Reach him at slieberm@lohud.com. Twitter: @lohudlegal.
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This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Inspections, repairs on the schedule for ex-Nyack College buildings
