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Old Westbury Ordered to Pay $19 Million for Unconstitutional Worship Ordinance

4/8/2026

26 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The Village of Old Westbury was ordered to pay $19 million from its insurance to Lubavitch of Old Westbury.
Rabbi Aaron Konikov, of Lubavitch of Old Westbury, sued the village in 2008.
A 2001 ordinance restricted worship to plots of 12 acres or more.
United States District Judge Gary Brown ruled the ordinance unconstitutional.
Konikov has until January 15, 2027 to apply for a permit to build the synagogue.

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Story summary

The Village of Old Westbury was ordered to pay $19 million from its insurance to Lubavitch of Old Westbury.
Rabbi Aaron Konikov, of Lubavitch of Old Westbury, sued the village in 2008.
A 2001 ordinance restricted worship to plots of 12 acres or more.
United States District Judge Gary Brown ruled the ordinance unconstitutional.
Konikov has until January 15, 2027 to apply for a permit to build the synagogue.