West Hartford OKs Fast-Growing Synagogue's Short-Term Space Issue Fix

WEST HARTFORD, CT — A rapidly expanding synagogue is expanding so fast, it needs added storage, program and worship space at its West Hartford property.

As a result, Young Israel of West Hartford, located at 2240 Albany Ave. has sought and, as of last week, received necessary approvals to install a two-room, temporary trailer at its site.

The West Hartford Plan and Zoning Commission Jan. 4 voted 4-0 to approve a special use permit for the synagogue to install the trailer at its property.

The portable, modular trailer will located at the rear of the site "to be used by the synagogue for worship, programming and storage needs."

A public hearing on the application did not reveal any major opposition to the proposal.

According to a proposal submitted to the town by the synagogue in late November, Young Israel of West Hartford has been in town for more than 50 years.

Synagogue officials said its members ship has doubled in size in just the past five years, making it the fastest growing synagogue in the greater Hartford area.

"As a result of our continued growth, our current facilities no longer meet our needs, putting severe limitations on our ability to operate and function," wrote the synagogue.

As a short-term step, the synagogue will install a 12-foot-by-60-foot, two-room trailer.

Meanwhile, the synagogue is planning an expansion of its facility there to address long-term space issues.

"We are also working towards more long-term solutions to our space constraints," wrote Young Israel of West Hartford. "We have been engaging with an architect for several years to draft expansion plans of our current facility."

For the minutes of the Jan. 4 West Hartford Plan and Zoning Commission meeting, click on this link.

For the full Young Israel of West Hartford proposal narrative, click on this link.