The Millburn Zoning Board of Adjustment will consider a resolution on the settlement of a federal lawsuit brought by the Chai Center for Living Judaism when it meets Monday, Aug. 17, at 7 p.m. at Millburn Public Library, 200 Glen Avenue.
The resolution, listed on the board's published agenda, names the ZBA as a defendant in the case of Chai Center for Living Judaism, Inc. and Rivkah Bogomilsky v. Township of Millburn, New Jersey, Zoning Board of Adjustment. It marks the first time the zoning board has placed the Chai Center matter on a public agenda for formal action.
The Chai Center has proposed a synagogue at 165 Old Short Hills Road in Short Hills. The organization filed a federal Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act lawsuit against the township, and a related civil rights case was filed Nov. 7, 2025, in U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, according to federal court records.
The settlement terms have not been made public.
The ZBA's agenda lists the settlement resolution under its "memorializations" section, though it is unclear from the document whether the board previously voted on the settlement in a closed session or will take a new vote Monday. The board held an executive session on the pending litigation June 22, according to the agenda.
The Millburn Township Committee discussed the Chai Center RLUIPA case in closed sessions on June 2 and June 18, according to committee meeting minutes. The Millburn Planning Board has scheduled separate public hearings on Sept. 2 and Sept. 3 to consider the broader settlement at the planning board level.
Five variance cases scheduled for hearings
The ZBA will also hear five variance applications Monday:
Russell Speeder's Car Wash, 17 E. Willow St. The car wash seeks variances to renovate and upgrade its Millburn location. Attorney Anthony Sposaro represents the applicant.
Triple Properties USA, 39 Rippling Brook Drive. A new dwelling proposed in the R-4 residential zone, represented by attorney Gary Goodman of Cranford.
Rakesh and Kavita Bordia, 74 Browning Road, Short Hills. An addition in the R-5 zone requiring three variances for lot coverage and building dimensions.
Srikar Vadlamani, 78 Myrtle Ave., Millburn. A covered deck in the R-6 zone.
27 Willow Street LLC, 45 Ocean St. A front yard fence in the R-7 zone, represented by attorney Nino Coviello of Saiber LLC.
Two other cases on the agenda are being carried to later dates: a pool and patio project at 46 Troy Drive (moved to Oct. 19) and a pool at 32 Merrywood Drive in Short Hills (moved to Oct. 5).
The next ZBA meeting after Monday is Sept. 14 at 7 p.m. at Millburn Public Library. Residents can attend in person or review the full agenda on the township's website.
