WESTWOOD : Temple Proposal Divides Residents Group

It promises to be Westwood’s version of Monday Night Football.

On Monday evening, the Westwood Homeowners’ Assn. will hold its annual meeting, at which new board members will be elected. Expected to dominate the agenda, however, is the proposed expansion of Sinai Temple, a controversial project that is scheduled to add about 82,000 square feet and nearly 400 parking spaces.

Supporters of the project say the expansion is needed to accommodate extra religious and school services. Critics say it will create unacceptable levels of congestion and noise in the neighborhood.

Both sides have recently circulated letters and releases urging members to show up to vote for board members sympathetic to their side and accusing each other of not negotiating in good faith.

Councilwoman Ruth Galanter and Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky are expected to attend the homeowners’ meeting, which will be held at 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium at Fairburn Elementary School, 1403 Fairburn Ave. The Sinai Temple is at the southwest corner of Wilshire and Beverly Glen boulevards.