Opposition to landmarking 29-31 Morseland St.

We, the undersigned, are opposed to the proposal to landmark the property owned by Congregation Shaarei Tefillah at 29-31 Morseland Ave. in Newton. We believe the attempt to landmark the property against the wishes of the congregation is motivated not by the historical significance of the property, but as a pretext to restrict the reasonable expansion and renovation of a small congregation trying to meet the critical needs of its members, most of whom are neighborhood residents. To date only 14 properties in Newton have been designated as landmarks an appropriate indication that only the most important structures in the City are deserving of such status. Landmarking should never be used to interfere with constitutionally protected rights of freedom of worship. We urge the Newton Historical Commission to act responsibly and to deny the application for landmark status.

The undersigned are residents of Newton, MA, over 18 years old.