As a collective of families residing in the surrounding areas of Temple Ner Tamid (TNT), we are writing to express our deep concern regarding TNT's proposed Expansion Plan, which we believe will significantly disrupt our peaceful residential environment. We urge you to reconsider the proposed changes, as they present serious challenges to the well-being of the local community and the preservation of our neighborhood.

While Temple Ner Tamid has long been a beloved institution in our area, the current expansion plans, as outlined in the submitted planning documents, threaten to negatively impact the surrounding homes, the environment, and the quality of life for all who live here.

Specifically, we are concerned about the following:

1. Expansion of Existing Variances

The Temple Ner Tamid (TNT) Expansion Plan have raised numerous concerns among the surrounding community of Bloomfield Township. Temple Ner Tamid is already operating on previously-approved nonconforming use variances that allows TNT to maintain a 'House of Worship" in an area that is zoned solely for single family residences (ref. N.J.S.A 40:55D-70d). 

Approving further variances that expand Temple Ner Tamid's operations, consisting of both religious and commercial activities, in a residential neighborhood will only degrade the quality of life for the surrounding Bloomfield residents, and to undermine the intent of state and local zoning ordinances.  

2. Traffic and Parking Congestion

Approval of the Temple Ner Tamid Expansion Plan will increase vehicular traffic on local residential streets, jeopardizing the safety of our children and our community.  

Temple Ner Tamid is seeking exemption from Section 315-41.B of the Land Development Ordinance to permit 71 on-site parking spaces whereas the ordinance requires 167 spaces.

The insufficient on-property parking, especially during Temple Ner Tamid's frequent special events, forces TNT's members and guests to park on neighborhood streets, further aggravating the scarcity of on-street parking. Approval of the Temple Ner Tamid Expansion Plan will bring no benefit to the broader community, and will only exacerbate existing parking and traffic congestion for local families.

3. Faulty Traffic Studies

There is concern over the inaccuracies in the traffic study submitted by Temple Ner Tamid. Mislabelled street names, such as confusing Sunset Ave and Yantecaw Ave, undermine the credibility of the entire report. Furthermore, the traffic data relies on outdated decade-old surveys and lacked the specificity needed for an accurate assessment. It used generalized data that doesn't account for the significant differences in driving habits across Jewish sects, leading to unreliable conclusions for a Reform congregation like Temple Ner Tamid.

4. Prolonged Commercial Construction in a Residential Neighborhood

The proposed expansion involves commercial-grade construction that is inconsistent with the peaceful residential nature of the area. Analysis indicates that construction could last at least a year or more, bringing excessive noise pollution, dust, debris, and inappropriate commercial-grade lighting and infrastructure to our quiet neighborhood.

5. Unfounded Need for Expansion

Temple Ner Tamid claims the need for more sanctuary space, stating an increase from 149 to 208 occupants. However, the sanctuary already uses movable partition walls, allowing it to accommodate hundreds more congregants than stated. This unfounded need for expansion appears driven by business growth motives rather than genuine necessity, placing additional burdens of noise, traffic, and congestion on TNT's residential neighbors.  

Additionally, as Temple Ner Tamid is a tax-exempt entity, Bloomfield Township gains no tax benefit from approving the expansion of TNT's business operations.

6. Precedent Concerns

Such an approval would set a dangerous precedent, encouraging future overdevelopment that undermines the zoning code and the preservation of the community's character.

__

We respectfully urge the Bloomfield Zoning Board of Adustments to deny approval of the Temple Ner Tamid Expansion Plan. The potential hardships it introduces outweigh any benefits, making it detrimental to the fabric of our community.

Please join us in advocating for solutions that respect both the future of Temple Ner Tamid and the well-being of the families who call this community home.

Please sign this petition to protect our neighborhood's integrity and ensure responsible development in Bloomfield Township.

Sincerely, 

Your Bloomfield Neighbors.