Glendale’s Yeshiva Godolah Seminary (YSG) is looking to expand its 88th St. campus, with plans to add 177 dormitory rooms and 28 classrooms, with would ultimately house 710 students on the 88th street campus. The Yeshiva has applied for a variance with the Board of Standards and Appeals (BSA), on which the public can comment at this Wednesday’s Community Board 5 meeting.
The manager of YSG, Abraham Markowitz, said that the new dorms would serve as a relief for students currently taking buses from Williamsburg or farther to the yeshiva every morning at 6 a.m. and leaving at 9 p.m. at night.
“They have long days, and it’s very hard on them to travel,” he said. “They’re not going to live in the building, they’re going to sleep there during the week.”
However some in the community have voiced concern about the impact of an extension on local infrastructure and traffic in the neighborhood.
Glendale Civic Association president and CB5 member Kathy Masi said the addition of 177 dormitories on what she said was already over-burdened infrastructure could create a problem.
“This has nothing to do with the students there,” she said. “They are quiet and respectful, and not a problem at all. But we have to think ahead, not only for the kids at the yeshiva but the community as a whole. We really do want to cooperate with everyone, but for a mutual benefit, and I don’t see the mutual benefit.”
The variance will take place at the CB5 meeting this Wednesday, September 9th at 7:30 p.m. at Christ the King High School. For speaking time, call CB5: 718 366 1834