Pluralism and Conflict: Religious Buildings and Zoning Issues in the New York City Region, 1992-2017

• In Event: 2104 - New Directions in Religion and the State

Abstract

The pluralism of metropolitan regions partly depends on local decisions regarding zoning requests made by religious groups for land or buildings. This study examines 102 cases of zoning conflict involving religious buildings in the New York City region between 1992 and 2017 as reported by the New York Times. The cases show the majority of zoning disputes involved Christian groups but Jewish and Muslim congregations experienced opposition at three and four times the rate of their percent of the population. Proposing to use a single-family home for worship or using a building within a residential neighborhood led to more opposition from communities. Additionally, traffic, parking, and preservation concerns angered neighbors. Compared to the percent of the region living in the suburbs, more zoning controversies occurred in the suburbs than in New York City. The cases suggest compromises can be hard to reach between residents and religious adherents who both value their land and buildings with possible significant long-term consequences for religious groups and communities.

Author

• Brian J. Miller, Wheaton College