Setting the record straight on Chabad




I’d like to respond to the statement that those opposed to large expansion plans for Chabad of Oak Park are operating from a “personal agenda.” As a neighbor of OPUSD, I do have a personal agenda—to ensure that Ventura County treats everyone, even taxpaying homeowners, equally under the law. I want to ensure that the county does not set a precedent by allowing the expansion of a small residential shul into heavy institutional use.

I believe the county and OPUSD should not reward illegal additions and broken contracts with a green light to continue unrestrained growth. Ventura County needs to hold all those with conditional use permits accountable. OPUSD should require that all facilities users comply with their contracts. This has not been the case with Chabad.

OPUSD has rewarded Chabad with more contracts and lower rates instead of demanding compliance. Saying you are a “good neighbor” is not the same thing as being a good neighbor.

Most Oak Park residents would not want a neighbor holding luncheons every Saturday, 52 weeks a year, for 145 people, many of whom are driving in from out-of-town for life cycle events. I have no issues with those Oak Park residents who are observant and walk to this shul. But I do have an issue with those who drive from outside of Oak Park when there are multiple Chabad locations throughout the area and create traffic and parking problems during my Shabbat.

I believe that my personal agenda is also Oak Park’s agenda—ensuring that neither Ventura County nor the OPUSD destroy our quiet, residential community.
Brad Lewis

Oak Park




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