New Milford Synagogue to Close, Korean Church to Buy Building

New Milford may soon be home not to one, but to two Korean churches once the sale of the building that houses Congregation Beth Tikvah on River Road is finalized.

A source close to the sale said that due to a steady decline in membership, the board made the decision to merge with a synagogue in Paramus and sell the River Road property. According to this source, shortly after the building went on the market, a Korean church showed immediate interest. The sale is scheduled to be completed within one month.

"New Milford's synagogue was once a vibrant congregation with a Hebrew school," the source said. "But now, younger families want more than we can offer within our space."

The synagogue has no on-site parking which was not an issue when built in 1955, since most people walked to services. However, according to the source, not only did parking become a problem through the years -- as the congregation aged driving became a necessity -- but the younger generation was looking for a synagogue with larger, more modern facilities such as a gym and recreation programs, and left.

The Public Events Committee has requested that the monument for the Jewish War Veterans Memorial be moved from its current site near the synagogue to Borough Hall. During Monday's Mayor and Council meeting, Mayor Ann Subrizi said that they will coordinate with the DPW to have it relocated. "Hopefully in time for Memorial Day," she said.

In October, the Zoning Board approved the change of use variance for the Gospel Fellowship Church, to be located in the Riverview Racquetball Club on Henley Avenue.

Stay tuned for continued updates as this story unfolds.

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