The main building of United Talmudical Academy of Monsey on Cherry Lane in the Village of Airmont on Thursday, November 29, 2018. (Photo: John Meore/The Journal News) AIRMONT — A federal judge has found sufficient grounds for a trial on discrimination claims against the village concerning the expansion of a Hasidic Jewish school and the Suffern Central School District’s denial of mandated busing to some of the private school’s children. U.S. District Court Judge Vincent Briccetti refused to dismiss Central UTA of Monsey’s legal action on Wednesday, as requested by Airmont and the school district. The judge found sufficient evidence for a jury to hear a number of UTA’s claims, including those under the U.S. Religious Land Use And Institutionalized Persons Act . Known as RLIUPA, the law in 2000 is designed to protect religious institutions from government discrimination in zoning. The judge tossed several UTA claims under federal and state discrimination laws, and removed officials from personal responsibility. The former mayor, Philip Gigante, the building inspector and a code inspector remain in the lawsuit as individuals beyond their official roles in government. Briccetti’s opinion sets the stage for a trial on Central UTA’s contentions that Airmont officials — […]
