LAKEWOOD - An Orthodox Jewish man has struck a deal with his homeowners' association to unlock a pedestrian gate key to Jewish observances at the 55-and-over community in Lakewood, ending a dispute that served as another cultural flash point in the fast-growing township.

Nathan Reiss filed a state discrimination complaint in December 2017 claiming The Enclave's pedestrian gate prevented him from walking to a synagogue because the gate required the use of an electronic key card. During the Sabbath, those observing the Orthodox Jewish faith are forbidden from driving or using electricity.

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Tuesday, the New Jersey Attorney General's Office announced a deal between Reiss and The Enclave, in which the gate would be unlocked during Sabbath hours and on Jewish holidays.

“This settlement should serve as a reminder to housing associations, condo associations and co-ops across New Jersey that being sensitive to the religious beliefs and observances of their residents is not only the right thing to do, it is the law,” Attorney General Gurbir Grewal said in a statement.

Attempts to reach a representative for The Enclave were unsuccessful.

Orthodox Jews make up a widening majority of the 25-square-mile township’s roughly 100,000 residents, while the growing number of Orthodox-owned businesses have helped make Lakewood a dynamic economic engine of Ocean County.

The Enclave has been at the center of Lakewood's cultural change, as more and more Jewish Orthodox families have flocked to the community. From time to time, aggressive real estate agents looking for new listings have been blamed for sparking anxiety between long-time residents and newcomers.

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Likewise, there have been cultural clashes, on diverse issues ranging from the electronic gate to swimming pool use.

Reiss' settlement with The Enclave also made an exception to its guest policy, allowing guests who haven't previously registered to enter during the Sabbath and on Jewish holidays.

"We’re very pleased with the outcome," Reiss said.

Andrew Ford: 732-643-4281; aford3@gannettnj.com