News Brief

The planned construction of a new Jewish Center in South Utica, undertaken in connection with Temple Beth El’s building project, is meeting with obstructions as the result of objection from residents in the vicinity of the site chosen regarding sidelines and frontage of the proposed building.

Steel for the $200,000 structure had already been ordered, as preliminary approval had been given by the Bureau of Buildings of the City. Plans had been completed for the structure, and the home on the site purchased for a temple was razed.

The new temple will stand on a corner of Utica’s main thoroughfare. Directly across the street is the First Church of Christ Scientist, and on the same side of Genesee Street is the First Presbyterian Church recently erected.

The Zoning Board of Appeals has given several hearings to Beth-El’s plea for permission to proceed with the work. It was pointed out serious financial loss will be suffered by the congregation if the plans are materially altered and the steel ordered is unfit for use.

The synagogue board had practically decided that the building could properly be erected on the lot without action of the board so far as sidelines are concerned, when a question was raised concerning a rear fire tower stairway. This matter will require adjustment.

At present the congregation is without a rabbi, since the resignation of Rabbi Isidor B. Hoffman to take charge of the Hillel Foundation work at Cornell University in Ithaca. He was recently installed as rabbi of the Congregation Beth-El there.

Several guest rabbis have been visitors in the city recently. Beth-El is at present holding services at 1608 Oneida Street. The new structure will be ready by Rosh Hashonah, it is expected.