Hot topic: Panels reject Chabad plan

A proposal by conservative Jewish group Chabad was roundly rejected by a second planning group committee Thursday.

The proposal calls for demolishing an existing single-family home at 2466 Hidden Valley road and replacing it with a two-story, 11,666-square-foot structure to include a synagogue, a rabbi’s residence, a social hall with attendant kitchen and a small preschool.

The La Jolla Shores Planned District Ordinance Permit Review Committee had voted 5-0 against the project Sept. 23. On Sept. 25, the La Jolla Traffic and Transportation Board, comprised of members from five local planning organizations, voted 6-0-2 to deny Chabad’s proposal.

Community planners cited bulk and scale, incompatibility with the surrounding neighborhood, possible impacts to the already congested “Throat” intersection and concerns over whether applicants are providing enough parking as reasons for their disapproval of the project.