U.S, Departinent of Jastice
Civil Rights Division
Housing and Civil Enforcement Section
SSuniansnat a
ms Bee
March 26,2018
By E-mail and U.S. mail
‘Anthony Mettino
‘Assistant Township Attomey
Township of Toms River
Division of Law
33 Washington Steet
Toms River, NI 08753
smerlino@tomsriveriownship.com
Dear Mr. Meine:
‘As you know, on April 28,2016, the U.S. Department of Justice (*DO1") initiated an
investigation into the Township of Toms River's ("the Township's") comp iance with the
Religious Land Use and Instituionalized Persons Act of 2000 “RLUIPA”, 42 U.S.C. §§
‘2000ce, et 9, and requested certain documents and information. DOJ's investigation was
cused, in pat, onthe Township's requirement that Rabbi Moshe Gourrie obiaina use
variance in orde vo operate a Chabed house at 2001 Church Road
We are aware that an order of judgment was recently issued, which resolved the private
Javisuit between the Tovnship and Rabbi Gourarie and does not require Rabbi Gourare o obtain
‘use permit inorder to engage in certain religious worship and educational activity atthe
‘Chabed. In light ofthe resolution of that awit, and the other documents and information
provided by the Township, and after considering the relevant facts and appicabe law, we have
decided roto take enforcement action pursuant to RLUIPA against the Township.
‘Consequently, we have closed the investigation.
‘Should you have any questions can be reached at 202-305-0122 or
ole Siegel
Sincerely,
‘Sameena Shina Majeed
Chief
“Trial Attomey
Housing and Civil Enforcement Sex